The Alabama Crimson Tide opened their Tuscaloosa Regional campaign with a commanding 21-3 victory over Alabama State, a performance that set a new program record for runs in an NCAA Tournament game.
A Record-Breaking Onslaught
The Tide erupted early, plating runs in six of the first seven innings and never looking back, with Bryce Fowler leading off the first inning with a triple that scored the first run.
Luke Vaughn’s two-run homer in the second inning extended the lead, and Justin Lebron’s four RBIs, including a three-run home run in the fifth, kept the momentum rolling.
Starter Tyler Fay delivered 5.2 innings of work, giving up three runs on six hits while striking out eight and walking one.
Relievers Evan Steckmesser and Owen Sarna combined to shut down the Hornets’ threat, with Sarna striking out three batters in a row during a pivotal stretch.
Alabama State’s only rally came in the third when Miguel Oropeza launched a two-run homer, but the Tide answered with nine runs across two frames to pull away.
The pitching staff finished strong, as Tate Robertson retired three Hornets in succession, striking out two to seal the win.
With the victory, Alabama advances to Saturday’s winner’s bracket game, looking to carry this offensive surge into the next round.