The Alabama Crimson Tide are set to open their NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional campaign on Friday, May 29, facing Alabama State at roughly 6 p.m. Central Time.
Pitching Rotation Outlook
Coach Rob Vaughn has said the final starter will be chosen based on matchup considerations and the opposing team's tendencies, a strategy aimed at exploiting weaknesses in the rival lineup.
Among the candidates, Tyler Fay, Zane Adams and Myles Upchurch each bring distinct attributes to the mound.
Fay, who entered the season as a reliable starter, stumbled in his most recent outing against Florida, surrendering five runs over just 4 ⅓ innings, a performance that was uncharacteristically poor for the senior.
Despite the setback, Vaughn remains publicly confident in Fay, emphasizing that a single off‑day does not erase his track record and that the pitcher still possesses the arsenal to dominate when aligned with the right game plan.
Zane Adams, meanwhile, carries the most experience of the trio, having started three seasons and accumulated a deep understanding of the team's pitching philosophy.
Myles Upchurch could also earn his first postseason start this weekend, a prospect that adds an element of excitement for both the player and the coaching staff.
Ultimately, the decision will be a blend of statistical analysis, recent form and the specific hitters the Tide will face from Alabama State, a calculus that Vaughn says he will finalize in the hours leading up to the first pitch.