Alabama baseball’s No. 17 team defeats UAB thanks to late home runs.

In a thrilling mid-week college baseball matchup, Alabama’s No. 17-ranked team showcased their resilience and power, defeating the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) by a 7-5 score. The game, held at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa, was a back-and-forth battle that saw Alabama take control late in the contest, largely due to a pair of timely home runs. These home runs not only sealed the win for the Crimson Tide but also underscored their growing confidence and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

A Nail-Biting Early Inning

The game got off to a somewhat quiet start, with both teams settling into their respective rhythms early. Alabama’s starting pitcher, sophomore right-hander Blake Bircher, was tasked with keeping the UAB lineup at bay, and he did just that in the first inning. Bircher’s fastball command was on point, and his ability to mix in off-speed pitches kept the UAB hitters guessing.

UAB, however, was no stranger to offensive firepower. The Blazers came into the game with a solid hitting lineup, and they wasted little time proving their mettle. In the top of the second inning, UAB took an early 1-0 lead when sophomore outfielder Cole Collins launched a deep drive to left field. The ball carried over the fence, just out of the reach of Alabama’s left fielder, putting the visitors ahead. It was a big hit for the Blazers, and it set the tone for the competitive nature of the game.

Alabama, however, answered back in the bottom of the third inning. Senior second baseman Zane Denton led off with a single, and designated hitter Drew Williamson followed up with a hard-hit double into the gap, putting two runners in scoring position with no outs. UAB pitcher Jacob Thorne, a talented right-handed starter, was under pressure early. But, he showed his poise, striking out two batters before getting a groundout to end the inning and leave the runners stranded.

A Pitcher’s Duel and Key Struggles

Through the middle innings, both teams struggled to produce consistent offense as the pitchers settled in. Blake Bircher continued to find success with his breaking ball, managing to silence the UAB bats in the fourth and fifth innings. UAB’s Thorne, meanwhile, relied heavily on his slider to keep the Alabama hitters off balance.

However, in the top of the sixth inning, UAB’s offense began to get to Bircher. After a leadoff walk to center fielder Jackson Smith, UAB caught a break when shortstop Sam Praytor misplayed a grounder, allowing runners on first and second with nobody out. The Blazers capitalized on the mistake when second baseman Daniel Cantu hit a sacrifice fly to deep right field, scoring Smith from third and putting UAB ahead 2-0.

Alabama quickly regained composure after the run, with Bircher getting out of the inning without further damage. Despite some frustration in the dugout, Alabama’s defense remained solid and their pitcher continued to give them a chance to rally.

Late-Inning Drama and Power Surge

As the game entered the seventh inning, Alabama’s offense finally came to life. The Crimson Tide was trailing 3-2 when senior outfielder Andrew Pinckney stepped to the plate. Pinckney, one of Alabama’s most consistent hitters, had struggled to make an impact during the game, but he was about to change that. With two outs, Pinckney crushed a pitch from UAB reliever Jared Moser, sending it deep over the left-field wall for a game-tying solo home run. The ball seemed to hang in the air for what felt like an eternity, before it finally landed in the bleachers, sending the Alabama faithful into a frenzy.

The momentum shift was palpable. The crowd at Sewell-Thomas Stadium erupted, and the Alabama players visibly fed off the energy. UAB, sensing that their lead was now at risk, struggled to regain their footing.

The game was tied at 3-3, and it was anyone’s contest to win. But it was Alabama who would take control in the bottom of the eighth inning. With two runners on and two outs, sophomore infielder Jim Jarvis stepped up to the plate. Moser, now visibly fatigued, left a fastball up in the zone, and Jarvis didn’t miss it. He launched the pitch into the night sky, and once again, the ball sailed over the left-field fence, giving Alabama a 7-5 lead.

Jarvis’s three-run home run was a testament to the kind of late-game heroics Alabama has come to expect from their offense. The timely power surge was exactly what the team needed to overcome the tight competition that UAB had provided.

Alabama’s Strong Bullpen Secures the Win

With a two-run lead in the top of the ninth inning, Alabama turned to its bullpen to close out the game. Junior reliever Dylan Ray was given the ball, and he quickly showed why he is considered one of the top arms in the SEC. Ray, a hard-throwing right-hander, used a combination of overpowering fastballs and sharp-breaking sliders to retire the Blazers in order. His strikeout of UAB’s Cole Collins to end the game was a fitting conclusion to a hard-fought victory.

The 7-5 win marked Alabama’s third consecutive victory, and they showed impressive resilience after being down for most of the game. The Crimson Tide’s ability to strike late with home runs gave the team and their fans a much-needed boost of confidence as they continued their pursuit of a strong season.

Standout Performances

Several Alabama players stood out in the victory. Andrew Pinckney’s game-tying home run in the seventh inning was a key moment in the game, sparking the momentum that would carry the Tide to the win. Jim Jarvis’s go-ahead three-run homer was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening, and his performance at the plate helped solidify his reputation as one of the team’s most dangerous hitters.

Defensively, Alabama was solid. Despite the earlier miscue by Praytor, Alabama’s defense made several critical plays, especially with the game on the line in the later innings. The Tide also showed excellent baserunning, with key advances and smart decisions in critical moments.

Blake Bircher’s performance on the mound deserves recognition as well. Although he allowed a couple of runs, his composure in keeping the game close was invaluable. He handed the ball over to the bullpen in a position where the game was still in reach, and his efforts were instrumental in setting the tone early.

UAB’s Gutsy Effort

Although UAB fell short in the end, they can hold their heads high for their performance. The Blazers never backed down, and they showed their strength against a top-20 SEC team. Their pitchers, led by Thorne and Moser, kept Alabama off balance for much of the game. UAB’s offense also delivered some key moments, particularly in the early innings when they took the lead.

However, in the end, Alabama’s late-game explosiveness proved too much for UAB to overcome. Despite the loss, UAB remains a strong squad, and they’ll look to build off this experience as they continue their season in Conference USA play.

Looking Ahead: Alabama’s Continued Journey

For Alabama, the win over UAB is just another step in what is shaping up to be an exciting and promising season. As the No. 17-ranked team in the nation, the Crimson Tide have their sights set on bigger goals—securing an SEC title, making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and continuing to build on their momentum from this dramatic win.

The late home runs in this game were a reminder of how dangerous Alabama can be when their offense gets hot. With a pitching staff that is deep and versatile, and a lineup full of players who can hit for both average and power, Alabama is positioned to remain one of the top teams in the country.

Alabama’s 7-5 victory over UAB was a thrilling display of late-game power, solid pitching, and unwavering determination. Despite early struggles, Alabama’s timely home runs, particularly from Andrew Pinckney and Jim Jarvis, proved to be the difference. With their strong bullpen closing out the win, the Crimson Tide left Sewell-Thomas Stadium with another victory in the books. As they look ahead to the rest of their schedule, this win will no doubt provide them with valuable confidence and momentum.

For UAB, it was a tough loss, but one that showcased their ability to compete with top-tier teams. They’ll look to bounce back and continue building toward their own goals this season. For both teams, this game was a reminder of the unpredictable excitement that college baseball offers—where anything can happen, especially when the long ball comes into play.