KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Alabama came up short a run in Game 1 of a doubleheader, falling to Tennessee, 2-1, on Sunday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Alabama suffered a 3-0 shutout loss in Game 2 of the afternoon. With the loss, the Crimson Tide moves to 16-9 overall and 1-5 in Southeastern Conference play.
In a tight Game 1 featuring two impressive pitching performances from the starters, Alabama’s Jake Walters suffered the hard-luck loss. The senior worked 5.2 innings, allowing two unearned runs, on only four hits and two walks. Walters provided the Tide with his best start of the season, not allowing a hit until the fourth inning and striking out a season-high nine batters, which matched his most for a single game in SEC play for his career.
In Game 2, Alabama received another strong pitching performance from its arms. Starter Garret Rukes (1-1) contributed 3.0 innings, allowing two runs — both unearned — on three hits and two walks while striking out four for the hard-luck loss. The redshirt freshman handed the ball over to redshirt sophomore Kyle Cameron out of the bullpen. Cameron allowed one earned run on four hits with two strikeouts across his 3.0 relief innings to keep the Crimson Tide within striking distance.
Next up for the Crimson Tide is a trip to Montgomery to face off with Auburn for the annual MAX Capital City Classic on Tuesday. The nonconference contest is scheduled for a 6:35 p.m. at Riverwalk Stadium, home of the Montgomery Biscuits.
