Alabama - April 24 - 26
The last time the Tigers faced off against Alabama was in 2023 in Columbia, where Mizzou was swept. Alabama is coming off a 33-24 (13-17) season that saw them lose in the first round of the SEC tournament and suffer two straight losses as a two-seed in the Regionals. Heading into Rob Vaughn’s second season as head coach of the Crimson Tide, he hopes to lead his team past those challenges this year.
On the offensive side of the ball, Alabama lost three key players to the draft, including their top hitter from 2024, along with several others to graduation or the portal. Their top returners and the leaders of their offense this year will be sophomore Justin Lebron, who as a freshman hit .338 with 9 doubles, 12 home runs, and 12 stolen bases, and redshirt senior Kade Snell, who finished the year with a .324 average. Another returner who could play a significant role is Will Hodo, who had 12 doubles and 11 home runs in 2024. Aside from these three, most of the lineup will look completely different from 2024.
To fill the gaps, the team added a number of players through the portal and brought in a 13-man freshman class, five of whom are hitters. Some of the biggest names include Garrett Staton (Samford), Bryce Fowler (Pearl River C.C.), and Jason Torres (Miami).
The only consistent starter from 2024 is sophomore Zane Adams, who made 13 starts, going 4-5 with a 5.37 ERA while striking out 47 and walking 27. Behind him, the only other returners who made starts in 2024 are redshirt senior Kade Snell and redshirt junior Hagan Banks. The rest of the rotation will likely be filled by freshmen or transfers.
In the bullpen, they appear to be in better shape, bringing back a few key arms from last year. Redshirt sophomore Austin Morris, senior Coulson Buchanan, and redshirt sophomore Tyler Fay are among the returning pitchers who could take a step forward this season. Freshmen like Ashton Alston, Nash Wagner, and Jack Ketchum are just a few of the new faces that could make a significant impact, stepping in for the lost talent and eating up innings. The bullpen will also receive help from transfers like JT Blackwood (Wallace State C.C.), Aeden Finateri (Georgia Tech), and Packy Bradley-Cooney (Campbell), rounding out the staff.
Guys to look for:
- Danny Heintz
- Bobby Alcock
- Will Hodo