NORMAN, Okla. – The Crimson Tide offense erupted for a season-high 18 hits and 13 runs on the way to a 13-1 win over Oklahoma on Sunday at L. Dale Mitchell Park. The win improves the Tide to 10-2 on the season.
“I’m very pleased with today’s effort; it was a good team win for us,” said Alabama head coach Brad Bohannon. “As bad as we were in all areas yesterday, we were equally as sharp today. I’m hopeful that we can carry this momentum into Wednesday against a very good Southern Miss team.”
Alabama suffered a 16-4 loss to Oklahoma on Saturday. The Sooners claimed the series with the win.
Alabama’s offense came up big in the middle innings, putting up three in the third, fifth and sixth with a four-run fourth sandwiched in between to account for the Crimson Tide’s 13 total runs on the day. Over that stretch, the Tide bats collected 15 hits and three walks to put the game out of reach.
Eleven of the 14 Alabama hitters collected at least one hit, including eight of nine starters. Six players on offense had multi-hit efforts, with Cobie Vance leading the team at 3-for-4. The junior added two RBI, a pair of runs scored and one walk. Both Cody Henry and Chandler Taylor contributed a home run and three RBI apiece. Henry, a senior, registered a double and two runs scored in addition to his roundtripper while the junior Taylor contributed one run to go with his homer.
The Crimson Tide pitching staff shone on Sunday. Junior Sam Gardner (1-0) earned his first career win at Alabama, tossing 5.0 innings of one-run baseball in the starting effort. Gardner allowed three hits and two walks while striking out a season-high five across his 85 pitches of work. Sophomores Davis Vainer and Deacon Medders along with junior Dylan Duarte worked the final 4.0 scoreless innings to secure the victory on getaway day.
Next up for Alabama is a midweek contest with Southern Miss on Wednesday, March 7, to start a nine-game homestand for UA. The Crimson Tide and Golden Eagles are scheduled for a 6 p.m. CT first pitch at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
