South Alabama secured a 6-3 victory over Alabama on March 18, powered by a four-run rally in the seventh inning at Stanky Field.
The win is significant as it marks South Alabama’s first triumph over Alabama since 2024 and improves their all-time record against the Crimson Tide at Stanky Field to 31-23. The Jaguars now hold a season record of 14-7.
Alabama took an early lead, scoring runs in the second and third innings. South Alabama responded in the fifth when Ethan Melton reached base on an error, allowing Stewart Puckett to score. After another run from Alabama in the seventh, South Alabama capitalized on two errors and four hits to score four unearned runs. Puckett singled to right field, bringing home Melton and Rett Johnson, followed by Blake Guerin’s single that plated two more runs. Melton added an earned run in the eighth with an RBI single.
Pitching played a key role for South Alabama. Starter Hayden O’Dell pitched five innings with seven strikeouts but did not factor into the decision. Reliever Zach Stevens entered during a critical moment in the seventh inning and finished with three scoreless innings, five strikeouts, and earned the win.
Head coach Mark Calvi said, “Our pitching and defense were outstanding. We only walked four, no errors, and they kicked it around a little bit. We were playing from behind most of the game and left a lot of guys on base, which wasn’t our MO leading up to the Louisiana Tech series. It’s the hardest thing to do to hit, that’s why guys get paid a lot of money to do it. Offense can come and go, but your mindset can’t. It was good to see our guys keep showing up and keep battling. Really proud of their effort, and a great win tonight.” Calvi added about upcoming games: “Now move into ULM for a conference series, and we got to continue this trend. We need to continue to be opportunistic, work further, and get that big knock when the window opens.”
The Jaguars will open Sun Belt Conference play at home against ULM starting Friday night.
