Alabama baseball headed to super regional with extra-inning win over Oklahoma State – The Tuscaloosa News

Alabama baseball has punched the Crimson Tide‘s first ticket to NCAA Tournament super regionals since 2023.
The Crimson Tide faced 2-seed Oklahoma State (39-22) on Sunday, May 31 and claimed a 9-7 victory in 11 innings to secure Alabama’s first region championship under head coach Rob Vaughn.
Alabama (40-19), the No. 7 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, advanced to the title game with victories over 4-seed Alabama State and 3-seed USC Upstate.
Despite its Sunday starter being a freshman, the Crimson Tide stuck with its starting rotation and got six innings from right-hander Myles Upchurch, who registered nine strikeouts as closer Hagan Banks earned the win in relief with six Ks through three innings.
A three-run blast from catcher Brady Neal lifted Alabama in the 11th inning. The LSU transfer drove in Justin Lebron, who notched two hits in the win, and Chase Kroberger.
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With two outs, veterans rose to the occasion for the Crimson Tide, up 9-6 in the 11th inning.
Lucas Steele got things started with a base-hit, but was replaced at first base after leaving the field due to injury. Pinch runner Chase Kroberger advanced to second when Justin Lebron approached the plate for a single before the two were driven in by a Brady Neal homer.
Closer Hagan Banks managed to get Alabama out of the ninth inning with a K after loading the bases when he gave up two singles and intentionally walked a third batter. Extra innings have begun.
The Tuscaloosa kid came in clutch once again with a solo home run to left field, tying the game at 6-6.
The Crimson Tide and Oklahoma State are tied 5-5 after OSU’s Brock Thompson sent a home run into the right field terrace. The Cowboys took the lead with a solo shot by Kollin Ritchie in the next at-bat.
In the first at-bat of the fifth inning, Jason Torres homered to give the Crimson Tide a 5-3 lead. The bottom of the inning saw Eric Hines keep OSU from sparking up momentum when it looked like the Cowboys might have an extra-base hit in right field. Alabama’s freshman standout tumbled and rolled forward for the first out.
OSU’s Kollin Ritchie scored on a passed ball after Brady Neal couldn’t make it home for the tag. Ritchie got on base with a double and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Alabama, up 4-3, made it out of the inning without further damage on a groundout to third base.
Johnny Lemm’s 2-run RBI single gave Alabama an unanswered 4-run lead, but Oklahoma State responded in the bottom of the third inning when Deacon Pomeroy blasted a 2-run homer.
After Eric Hines grounded out into a double play, Alabama still had a hot corner. Jason Torres came home on the next at-bat to give the Crimson Tide a 1-0 lead when he was driven in on a base-hit by Brennan Holt.
Fans in The Joe roared after freshman Myles Upchurch ended the first inning of his postseason debut with a strikeout. The Crimson Tide defense supported the right-hander by fielding the first two outs of the half.
Check back here for the most up-to-date score!
Date: Sunday, May 31
Start time: 7 p.m. CT
The first pitch of the regional title game on Sunday, May 31 is set to be thrown at 7 p.m. CT, barring weather delays.
TV channel: TBD
Streaming: ESPN+
The Alabama-Oklahoma State game will be streamed via ESPN+. TV information has yet to be determined.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.
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