To begin SEC play, Alabama baseball defeats Texas A&M in College Station.

The start of SEC play in college baseball is always a momentous occasion, and for the Alabama Crimson Tide, their 2025 season opener against Texas A&M in College Station was no different. In a thrilling matchup that showcased both offensive firepower and defensive grit, Alabama came out on top, defeating Texas A&M with a commanding performance that sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season.

Preseason Expectations and Team Overview

Heading into the 2025 season, Alabama baseball was poised for success. Under the leadership of head coach Brad Bohannon, the Crimson Tide had bolstered its roster with several promising recruits and transfers. Alabama had finished the previous season with a solid record, but they were looking to make a deeper run into the SEC Tournament and beyond. Their strong pitching staff, coupled with a lineup featuring potent hitters, made them a team to watch in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference.

Texas A&M, on the other hand, was coming off a roller-coaster season that saw flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short of their lofty expectations. The Aggies were looking to bounce back and prove that they could be a force in the SEC. Playing in front of a rowdy home crowd at Blue Bell Park in College Station, Texas A&M was determined to defend their home turf and get off to a strong start in conference play.

The Game: A Close Contest with Late Heroics

The opening game of the SEC series between Alabama and Texas A&M began with high expectations, and the action did not disappoint. The Crimson Tide came out aggressive, looking to set the tone early. Starting pitcher for Alabama, sophomore right-hander Hunter Tannenbaum, faced a stiff challenge in the opening innings, as the Aggies were not going to make things easy for him.

In the first inning, Tannenbaum struggled with his command, walking the leadoff batter and allowing a single to set up runners on first and second with no outs. However, he showed his resilience by striking out the next two batters, followed by a ground out to escape the inning unscathed. This would set the tone for much of his performance — battling through adversity and finding ways to limit damage when necessary.

Alabama’s offense, meanwhile, was ready to back up their pitcher. In the top of the second inning, the Tide wasted no time in making their presence felt. Freshman sensation Joey Davis, making his first SEC start, smacked a leadoff double into the left-center field gap, setting the stage for what would be a productive inning. With one out, senior second baseman Noah McElroy came through with a clutch single to right field, bringing Davis home for the game’s first run.

While the Aggies responded quickly, showing that they were not to be intimidated, the game began to unfold as a pitching duel between Tannenbaum and Texas A&M’s ace, senior right-hander Riley Thompson. The Aggies tied the game in the bottom of the second inning, as a leadoff single and a stolen base put a runner in scoring position for Texas A&M. The next batter, shortstop Jacob Keyes, hit a deep fly ball to center field that allowed the runner to tag up and score, bringing the game to a 1-1 tie.

The teams traded blows throughout the middle innings, with both pitchers settling into a rhythm. Alabama found a way to score once again in the fifth inning, taking a 2-1 lead. This time, it was junior outfielder Kyle McKenna, who had a breakout season in 2024, providing the key hit. McKenna worked a full count and ripped a line drive single into left field, bringing home third baseman Brock Davis, who had reached base with a double.

By the time the game entered the late innings, the pressure was mounting on both teams. The Crimson Tide clung to a slim 2-1 lead as they entered the bottom of the eighth inning. Tannenbaum had been effective, but fatigue was starting to set in. Head coach Brad Bohannon opted to bring in sophomore reliever Jason Webb to finish off the game.

Webb came in with fire in his eyes, striking out two Aggies in the bottom of the eighth inning while only allowing a single baserunner. The atmosphere in Blue Bell Park was electric, with the home crowd urging their team on in what would likely be a crucial inning for the Aggies to mount a comeback.

The top of the ninth inning saw Alabama add an insurance run, and this was where the game truly turned in their favor. With two outs and the bases loaded, McElroy came up big once again, lacing a sharp single to right field that scored two runs, pushing the Crimson Tide’s lead to 4-1. The Aggies were now faced with an uphill battle, needing to rally against one of the best closing pitchers in the SEC.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Webb returned to the mound to close it out. Despite a leadoff single from Texas A&M, Webb showed poise under pressure, getting two key strikeouts and inducing a game-ending double play to seal the victory for Alabama. The final score was 4-1, a statement win to open SEC play for the Crimson Tide.

Key Performances

Hunter Tannenbaum (Alabama Starting Pitcher): Tannenbaum’s performance was instrumental in Alabama’s victory. He threw 7.2 innings, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out seven. Though he faced some early challenges, Tannenbaum showed poise and maturity beyond his years, keeping the Aggies off balance and giving his offense a chance to build a lead.
Jason Webb (Alabama Relief Pitcher): Webb’s performance out of the bullpen was vital in securing the win for Alabama. He pitched 1.1 innings, allowing only one hit while striking out three and earning the save. His ability to keep calm in the final inning was a testament to his confidence and ability under pressure.
Kyle McKenna (Alabama Outfielder): McKenna’s clutch hitting in the fifth and ninth innings was a key factor in the win. He finished the game 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, showing the offensive consistency that Alabama will need to rely on throughout the season.
Noah McElroy (Alabama Second Baseman): McElroy also had a stellar game at the plate, driving in two key runs with a clutch single in the ninth inning. He finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a run scored, and solid defensive work at second base.
Joey Davis (Alabama Freshman Outfielder): Davis’s leadoff double in the second inning set the tone early for Alabama. Though he didn’t score again, his aggressive approach to the plate was a glimpse into his potential to be a star in the SEC.

What This Win Means for Alabama

This victory over Texas A&M in College Station was more than just a conference-opening win; it was a statement. Alabama came into a hostile environment and played with the poise and confidence of a team ready to compete at the highest level. The Crimson Tide demonstrated the depth of their pitching staff and their ability to score runs when it mattered most. This kind of win could serve as a springboard for the rest of their SEC campaign.

Alabama’s pitching staff, especially the combination of Tannenbaum and Webb, was able to keep the Aggie bats in check. In a league like the SEC, where high-scoring games are common, the ability to pitch effectively in tight games is crucial. With key contributors on both offense and defense, Alabama looks like a team that can not only compete but thrive in the competitive environment of SEC baseball.

Looking Ahead

With the first SEC series under their belts, Alabama’s next challenge will be to maintain the momentum as they move through their conference schedule. While a win on the road against a team like Texas A&M is impressive, the SEC is full of talented teams, and the Crimson Tide will need to stay focused and continue playing solid baseball in order to contend for a high seed in the SEC Tournament and, ultimately, a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Next up for Alabama is a home series against another powerhouse program in the SEC. The Crimson Tide will need to continue their strong pitching performances, timely hitting, and defense in order to stay at the top of the SEC standings. If they can keep playing the way they did in College Station, Alabama could be in for a special season.

The opening game of SEC play was a hard-fought, exciting contest, and Alabama came away with an impressive 4-1 victory over Texas A&M. With solid pitching, timely hitting, and excellent defense, the Crimson Tide demonstrated that they are ready to take on the best teams in the SEC. As the season progresses, this win will undoubtedly serve as a confidence boost for the team and a reminder that Alabama baseball is back in the national conversation.