Alabama’s baseball team didn’t have the momentum on its side Friday night when weather interrupted game two of its doubleheader against No. 6 Georgia. But when play resumed Sunday, the No. 23 Crimson Tide found its rhythm, taking the suspended game 9-3 and then clinching the series with a narrow 5-4 victory in the finale.
It marked the first time this season that Alabama (39-13, 15-12 SEC) bounced back to win a series after dropping the opening game. Georgia opened the series in dominant fashion, hitting six home runs during a 19-3 blowout in a seven-inning game on Friday before storms halted the second contest for nearly two days.
“Just a phenomenal day for us,” said head coach Rob Vaughn. “That Georgia lineup is dangerous—great approaches, real power, and tough pitching. We took a big hit Friday night, but like I expected, our guys came back fighting.”
Before Friday’s delay, Alabama led game two 6-2 in the fifth inning with Riley Quick on the mound. When the game resumed, the Tide tacked on three runs and gave up only one more. Homers from Bryce Fowler, Justin Lebron, and Richie Bonomolo Jr. highlighted the offense, with Bonomolo delivering the knockout blow—a three-run blast.
Braylon Myers took over for Quick on Sunday and earned the win, tossing 2.2 innings and allowing just one run. Carson Ozmer entered to close out the game, earning the first of his two saves on the day.
“This is exactly why I came to Alabama—for moments like this,” said Ozmer. “It being Mother’s Day made it even more special, with my mom in the stands cheering me on.”
She had every reason to be proud—Ozmer not only broke Alabama’s single-season saves record, but he also became the national leader in saves with his 16th, which came during the third game.
In the series finale, Alabama jumped ahead 1-0 in the first inning with a Will Hodo RBI single but failed to capitalize further, leaving the bases loaded. Homers from Jason Torres and captain Kade Snell in the second extended the lead to 4-0—Snell’s being his 10th of the year.
Georgia rallied in the third with a two-run inning that included freshman Bryce Clavon’s first career home run in his debut start. Alabama responded with a fifth run on an RBI double from Lebron, who had a three-hit performance.
“He’s got a future in the big leagues,” Vaughn said of Lebron. “He’s heating up at the right time, and when he’s locked in like that, he can carry us.”
Georgia made things tight again with a two-run homer by Dan Jackson in the sixth, but Ozmer shut the door, leaving the potential tying run stranded at second.
Sophomore Zane Adams secured his seventh win of the season, throwing four innings and giving up two runs while striking out eight. His form has notably improved since the LSU series.
“I’ve been impressed with Zane all season,” Vaughn said. “Not everyone can bounce back after adversity, but he can. Those experiences are going to shape him into the pro pitcher he’s destined to be.”
These two wins may be among Alabama’s most significant this season—not just due to their postseason implications, but because they came after a blowout loss and a long weather delay. After giving up two early runs in game two, Alabama answered quickly with four and never looked back.
With a 15-12 SEC record, Alabama has moved closer to regional hosting contention. A strong showing in next weekend’s series at Florida could solidify that position.
Referencing legendary football coach Nick Saban, Vaughn added, “There’s a saying about ignoring the noise—that rat poison won’t help us in Gainesville. Florida’s a tough team, and we’ve got to be ready.”
Ozmer believes the Crimson Tide is prepared for the challenge, even with over 50 games behind them.
“Every SEC team we face is loaded with talent,” he said. “We’re excited and ready for what’s ahead.”
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