Baseball 7/18/2024 10:00:00 AM

Top Stories of 2023-24: Baseball Secures Road Challenge at #25 Alabama

MOBILE, Ala. - It was another big year for South Alabama Athletics in 2023-24. The Jaguars earned multiple big wins, championships, postseason appearances and awards.

Throughout the month of July, USAJaguars.com will recap some of the biggest story lines from the past year as we get ready for another big season of competition in 2024-25.

Next we look at one of South Alabama's standout wins from last season; on the road at ranked Alabama.

Jags Topple #25 Alabama in Midweek Road Battle

In his first career start, freshman pitcher Zach Stevens retired the first six batters, before sitting in the third inning after Alabama drew first blood. The third inning would be the only time Alabama scored.

South responded in kind with a solo home run from Lucas Ismaili at the top of the fourth inning, then another solo bomb from Joseph Sullivan to cut the Crimson Tide lead in half in the fifth.

The bullpen continued to put in work following Danny Diaz's lead from the third and fourth. Tyler Smith took only 16 pitches to record six outs, followed by Jacob Haley and Logan Wash's seventh inning hold.

With the Jags' steadfast work on the mound, the offense found its rhythm in the eighth inning. A leadoff base hit for Brenan Holt followed by an Ethan Melton walk gave South a prime opportunity to take the lead. JG Bell looped in a double to tie the score at four, then rounded third at the next opportunity when Duncan Mathews reached on a single.

Seth Carter recorded the first out, then the Jags called upon senior Gant Starling to clamp down the Tide. Starling struck out the first batter then forced a weak grounder to usher in the ninth. The offense made no advancement leaving a one run clearance for Starling. Starling worked a flyout to center, then struck out the next on a full count slider. An infield single beat out the throw to first to put the tying run on base, putting the pressure on. Starling, after falling behind 2-0, drew back-to-back foul balls before forcing a whiff to clinch the win.

South Alabama's discipline shined through, drawing five walks and allowing none, also out-hitting the Crimson Tide, 10-9.

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For complete coverage of University South Alabama baseball, follow the Jaguars on social media @SouthAlabamaBSB (Twitter), /SouthAlabamaAthletics (Facebook), @southalabamabsb on Instagram, or visit the official home of South Alabama athletics at USAJaguars.com.

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