MOBILE, Ala. - Alabama scored four unanswered runs in the final two innings to defeat University of South Alabama baseball 5-3 Sunday afternoon at Stanky Field.
The Crimson Tide rallied to score four runs on six hits in the final two innings to secure its second win over USA in as many days. Alabama right-handed pitcher Tyler White earned the win in 1.0 innings of shutout relief, allowing one hit while striking out two, and Jake Smith earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning. Jaguar senior Brandon Brown took the loss in 2.0 innings of relief, allowing four runs on two hits while striking out one and walking three.
"I was really proud of our kids," USA head coach Steve Kittrell said. "I thought we battled in front of a great crowd and played some very good baseball. We made a couple of mistakes that haunted us, but it's early in the year and we have to learn from our mistakes. We were up against a very good Alabama team. They're a very good ball club. It was a tough loss for this team, because they put the hearts and souls into it, but we have to show up again, learn from our mistakes and keep getting better."
USA senior Lance Baxter pitched 7.0 innings and allowed just one run on four hits while striking out four, but did not factor in the decision. Likewise, Alabama starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson went 5.0 innings, allowing one run on four hits without factoring in the decision.
"I thought Lance Baxter was just outstanding today," Kittrell said. "He really competed, was a bulldog on the mound and really pitched. It was a great game for him."
Alabama sophomore Taylor Dugas went 3-for-5 with two RBI and one run scored to lead the Crimson Tide at the plate. USA junior Taylor White went 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored and a stolen base to record his third multiple-hit game of the season. Clint Reynolds went 2-for-4 with two RBI, and extended his on-base streak to 24 games, dating back to April 15 of last season.
USA took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning when Reynolds singled up the middle to score White, who led off the inning with a single to extend his hitting streak to four games.
Alabama answered in the top of the sixth inning on an RBI single by Dugas, which scored left fielder Brett Booth who reached earlier in the inning on a fielder's choice.
USA scored two runs on four hits in the bottom of the seventh to take a 3-1 lead. Sean Laird and White reached base on consecutive singles to start the inning. Reynolds singled to right field to drive in Laird, and White scored one batter later on an RBI single by Adam Heisler.
The Crimson Tide responded with a three-run top of the eighth, aided by three consecutive doubles by Booth, Dugas and Josh Rutledge. Booth led off the inning with a double to center field, and came around to score on Dugas' double to left center field. Rutledge followed with a double to left field that scored Dugas. Jon Kelton added the inning's fourth two-bagger down the left field line that scored Rutledge.
Alabama added an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning on Ross Wilson's fielder choice that scored Andrew Miller, who led off the inning with a single to right field.
USA returns to action next weekend when it hosts the 25th Annual South Alabama Classic. The Jaguars will open the tournament Fri., Feb. 26, at 6 p.m.. against Eastern Michigan at Stanky Field.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
- USA -
NOTES: White extended his hitting streak to four games, and recorded his third multiple-hit game with a career-high three hits ... Reynolds extended his on-base streak to 24 games, dating back to April 15 of last season ... Heisler has now reached base in 52 of his 53 career games at South Alabama ... Sunday marked the first time Alabama has won in Mobile since 2006, when they defeated the Jags 7-6 at Stanky Field.
