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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — After failing to win an SEC series for three consecutive weeks, the Crimson Tide picked up its first series win over Vanderbilt since 2023 in just a 20-hour span, taking down the Commodores 5-0 in game two.
Alabama took the opener Thursday night, 5-4, courtesy of a John Lemm walk-off solo shot.
Crimson Tide starter Zane Adams turned in a wonderful six innings to earn credit for the win, shutting out the Commodores' lineup while striking out six. Ashton Crowther earned the save, his second of the year, with a three-inning shutout outing.
Vanderbilt starter Aiden Stillman was tagged with the loss for the 'Dores. The freshman tossed 2.1 innings, responsible for all five of the Crimson Tide's runs.
The first inning set the tone for the Crimson Tide. Adams allowed a lone baserunner via a two-out single, but punched out Logan Johnstone for the final out of the frame.
The bottom half of the inning started with a Justin Lebron groundout and Brady Neal popout to put two quick outs on the board.
Bryce Fowler's single through the left side began a two-out rally for Alabama, setting up a first pitch two-run blast courtesy of Eric Hines; marking the freshman's second in as many games to put Alabama up 2-0 early.
Two pitches later, game one hero John Lemm belted a no-doubter to the right field terrace to add on another run, pushing the Alabama lead out to 3-0.
The tipping point in the ballgame came early. In the top of the second, a pair of singles and a walk loaded the bases with one out for Vanderbilt, threatening to erase the work done by the Alabama lineup mere moments ago.
Rather, Adams dug in, battling to punch out the next two Vanderbilt batters over 16 pitches to keep the Commodores off the scoreboard.
"The biggest piece Zane [Adams] going out and getting the zero in the next half [inning]," said Alabama head coach Rob Vaughn about how the early innings set the tone for Friday afternoon, "A three-spot without getting that zero kinda lets them back in the game. I thought he was able to shut the door right there, which was huge."
While the bottom of the second inning featured less action in the field of play, homeplate umpire Scott Kennedy exited the game after a scary moment where a Brennan Holt foul tip hit Kenendy in the head.
"First and foremost, you're just hoping that Scott is OK. Getting a report from our trainers later, I think he's OK and doing better"
Vanderbilt once again worked a pair of singles in the top of the third, but another Adams strikeout, this time swinging against designated hitter Colin Barczi, stranded the two Commodores.
Alabama tacked on two more runs in the third, thanks to a Hines single to score Justin Lebron, and a Jason Torres bases-loaded walk.
From then, the game entered cruise control, with Vandy reliever Brennan Seiber, and Alabama's duo of Adams and Crowther preventing any more runs to score by either ballclub.
The Crimson Tide return to action Saturday as they look to sweep Vanderbilt, a potential huge step towards hosting a Tuscaloosa Regional come June.
For more Alabama Baseball, Basketball, and Football content from Simon Besnoy, follow him on Twitter at @SimonBesnoy and stay tuned to Tide1009.com for daily news.
Gallery Credit: Simon Besnoy
Gallery Credit: Micah Nichols
Gallery Credit: Wyatt Fulton
