Crimson Tide Completes UAB Sweep with Tuesday Night Victory

TUSCALOOSA, ALA. - The Tide advanced to 30-8 with the victory over the UAB Blazers on Tuesday at the Joe.

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The scoring started in the second inning, with Will Hodo slamming an RBI single down the middle of the field, just over the outstretched glove of Alex Cheeseman, to give the Tide a slim 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. It was the first time since Alabama's 11-9 win over Samford on April 1 that the Crimson Tide scored first in a game.

The Tide couldn't push the lead in the second inning, despite Hodo moving into scoring position after a Garrett Staton single pushed the Waynesboro, Mississippi native to second base. Still, Alabama was able to get on the board, and pitcher Bobby Alcock was operating with a lead early in the game.

UAB quickly responded in the top of the third inning, with Alex Cheeseman notching a single and then advancing to second on a wild pitch. Logan Braunschweig didn't make him wait long to turn towards home plate with an RBI single that carved down the middle of the Alabama infield.

Defensive play was the name of the game in the fourth inning after the Tide's run in the second inning and UAB's run in the third inning. Alabama pitcher Coulson Buchanan and UAB pitcher Caleb Pittman both notched good pitches in the fourth inning, with Buchanan coming in for the relief of Tide starter Bobby Alcock. UAB was able to claim the lead for the first time on the night with a SAC fly by first baseman Wesley Helms, allowing Alex Cheeseman to score for the Blazers. Alabama trailed for the first time midway through the game.

The fifth inning was kind to Alabama, especially second baseman Brennen Norton, who was the orchestrator of a two-run home run to left center field that also brought home catcher Brady Neal. The Crimson Tide reclaimed the lead 3-2 thanks to Norton's home run as Beau Bryans took to the mound to start the sixth inning.

UAB quickly put the pressure back on Alabama in the seventh inning, thanks to third baseman Todd Clay. Clay hit an RBI single deep into right center field for Alabama, and although he didn't get past first base, it allowed Braunschweig to sprint in from second base for the tying run.

Still in the seventh inning, Tide designated hitter Garrett Staton gave Alabama back the lead less than a half-inning after losing it. Staton drove a solo home run over right center field.

Alabama added insurance later in the inning, as Brennen Norton singled, bringing Richie Bonomolo Jr up to bat. Bonomolo rips a single to left center field, but it was deep enough that Norton was able to score from first base, giving the Tide a 5-3 lead as we entered the eighth inning.

Alabama's pitching was able to secure the win the rest of the way for the Crimson Tide. Carson Ozmer pitched the closing inning, and UAB had the leading run at the plate. Ozmer cemented the victory with four pitches to UAB's Camden Hayslip (a former Alabama baseball player).

Alabama Stat Leaders

Hits: George Staton, Brennen Norton - 2
RBI: Brennen Norton - 2
K's: Bobby Alcock, Aeden Finateri, Carson Ozmer - 2

Alabama will begin a massive series on Friday, as the Crimson Tide takes on LSU this weekend in Baton Rouge.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.