Alabama opened Friday’s 2-3 game at the Hattiesburg Regional in the worst of ways, falling down 4-0. The 2-seed Tide tried to rally, but came up just a few feet short in a 5-3 loss to 3-seed Miami.
Alabama gave up 3 runs in the first inning of the game. After fighting back to make it a 1-run game going into the fifth, a leadoff solo shot from Miami’s Max Galvin gave the Hurricanes a 5-3 lead. In the bottom of the ninth, with the winning run at the plate, Kade Snell tried to walk it off. Instead, his shot to deep center field fell on the warning track and Miami escaped with an upset victory.
Riley Quick (8-3) drew the loss. Miami’s AJ Ciscar picked up his sixth win of the season while Brian Walters recorded his ninth save.
Alabama will play the loser of Friday night’s game between Southern Miss, the regional host, and Columbia. First pitch for Saturday’s elimination game is set for 3 p.m. ET.
The Tide now have to win 4 in a row to make the Super Regional round. Friday’s loss was the Tide’s fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament defeat, dating back to the 2023 Super Regional.
Quick opened the game by walking leadoff Miami batter Jake Ogden. A single from Gaby Gutierrez in the next at-bat put runners on the corners for third baseman Daniel Cuvet. He then blasted a 3-run shot to right field to give the ‘Canes an early advantage. A 1-out single followed by a 6-pitch walk landed Quick in more trouble later in the inning, but Alabama was able to turn a double play to end the threat.
Alabama’s starting pitcher allowed all 5 runs scored while giving up 8 hits and walking 4 across 6 innings of work. He handed off to Matthew Heiberger for the final 3 innings of the day. With 3 strikeouts and not a single hit allowed, Heiberger gave Alabama a chance late.
Snell was hit by a pitch to begin the bottom of the fourth, and after a couple of 1-out singles, Alabama had the bases loaded for Brady Neal and Brennen Norton. Neal grounded out but managed to score 1 runner. Norton then drove in 2 more with a double. Miami ended the frame on a fly out to strand 2 Alabama runners.
Alabama had just 2 hits the rest of the way.
Ciscar went 7 innings allowing 6 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out 8. Rob Evans and Walters recorded the final 4 — 2 of them punchouts — to end the game and secure Miami’s win.
Alabama falls feet short of walking off Miami, drops regional opener Saturday Down South.
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