Alabama Evens up Series Behind Strong Start from Riley Quick

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — No. 18 Alabama (36-11, 13-10) took game two of their road series against No. 15 Vanderbilt (33-14, 13-10) #-# to force a crucial game three rubber match. Alabama starter Riley Quick paved the path for the Crimson Tide, tossing a career-high 6.0 innings and nine strikeouts, only allowing two earned runs.

Following an hour and a half of rain delays, the Commodores began the scoring early, plating one run in the bottom of the first after home plate umpire Danny Cricks said Quick committed a balk.

After a quiet second frame, the Crimson Tide tied up the game at 1-1 in the top of the third after a Richie Bonomolo Jr. RBI fielder's choice.

Quick retired the Commodores lineup in order in the bottom of the third to help creep momentum towards the visiting Crimson Tide.

Alabama took its first lead of the weekend in the fifth inning. Coleman Mizell led the inning off with a solo shot over the left field wall at Hawkins Field to take a 2-1 lead. The Crimson Tide added two more runs later in the frame thanks to a Bonomolo Jr single through the middle of the infield and a Garrett Staton two-out double. Alabama, 4. Vanderbilt, 1.

Two innings later, in the bottom of the seventh, the 'Dores cut into the Crimson Tide's advantage thanks to an RBI single. However, the Crimson Tide earned their run back after Garett Staton scored on a wild pitch.

Closer Carson Ozmer entered the game in the eighth, shutting down the Commodores over the next six outs to force a rubber match tomorrow afternoon.

For more Alabama Baseball, Basketball, and Football content from Simon Besnoy, follow him on Twitter at @SimonBesnoy and stay tuned to Tide1009.com for daily news.