Alabama

Seventh Inning Swings Game in Alabama Baseball’s Game One Loss to LSU

Published

9 months ago

April 18, 2025

Seventh Inning Swings Game in Alabama Baseball’s Game One Loss to LSU

For the Alabama baseball team, its fortunes Thursday’s series-opening game at No. 9 LSU can be split into two segments: one before the bottom of the sixth inning, and another after. The Tigers (33-6, 11-5 SEC) came back from a 5-1 deficit to unseat No. 15 Alabama by an 11-6 final score.

Crimson Tide left fielder and team captain Kade Snell hit a pair of home runs. Center fielder Richie Bonomolo Jr. added a solo shot, as did catcher Brady Neal in his return to his former home ballpark. LSU ace Kade Anderson struck a lot of players out (10) but was otherwise not on form.

“Tough way to finish tonight. Through six innings, we were right where we wanted to be. Competed on offense and had the lead late. Just too many miscues late,” Crimson Tide coach Rob Vaughn said.

The power output, combined with a one-run start from sophomore righty Tyler Fay (three innings) and a solid bullpen outing from fellow sophomore Matthew Heiberger (2.1 innings, one run), situated Alabama (30-9, 8-8 SEC) with a 5-1 lead halfway through a sixth inning in which it scored three runs.

A pinch-hit home run from Ashton Larson in the sixth plated three runs and cut the LSU deficit to one. The Crimson Tide initially responded, working two runners into scoring position with two away in the top of the seventh. Despite Larson’s earlier blast, this was the moment the game truly changed.

Star Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron was rung up on a payoff pitch by home plate umpire Darren Hyman. The offering from Casan Evans was low. Crimson Tide assistant coach Mike Morrison immediately protested the call and was summarily ejected.

The Tigers pounced. JT Blackwood took to the mound to start the seventh inning and let the first two men aboard. Shortstop Steven Milam then took him out of the ballpark to give LSU a 7-5 lead. Another run scored in the inning as a result of a throwing error by Alabama first baseman Will Hodo.

With all the might of a rowdy Alex Box Stadium behind it, the home team was not done. Designated hitter Ethan Frey hit a two-run home run off Connor Ball in the eighth to send the run total for Jay Johnson’s squad into double digits.

LSU right fielder Jake Brown, who had already scored twice in the contest (he was the runner who benefited from Hodo’s error) executed a sacrifice bunt to bring home Milam. In the last three innings during which the Tigers batted, they scored three, four and three runs respectively.

Three of Alabama’s four home runs in the game were solos. Snell’s first was in the opening frame. All were against Anderson, who didn’t have to be at his best (he allowed five earned runs) because of the offense picking its starter up and then some.

Blackwood was the night’s losing pitcher. Also making an appearance in the game was Tiger reliever Jacob Mayers, who started for Nicholls State in the Tuscaloosa Regional against Alabama during the 2023 postseason. He contributed a third of an inning.

“Some errors, some non-finished plays and we opened the door for them to come back. We will get some rest tonight and come back ready to send it,” Vaughn said.

Alabama is running out Riley Quick to start on Friday, a must-win contest (6 p.m. CT first pitch) if the visitors are to stay alive in the overall series. The Crimson Tide offense loaded the bases in the ninth but only scored one run; Snell walked for his fourth RBI. Evans was the pitcher of record for LSU.

Third baseman Jason Torres, who regularly bats cleanup for the Crimson Tide but was sixth in the order Thursday, had a game to forget. He posted the golden sombrero (four strikeouts).

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Alabama

A major overhaul ahead for the Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line

Published

9 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

A major overhaul ahead for the Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line

The first phase of good news for the Alabama Crimson Tide is happening. While indications are the two best Alabama offensive linemen will move to the NFL, there are eight other (and counting) offensive linemen who not return for the 2026 season. Three are out of eligibility: Jaeden Roberts, Kam Dewberry, and Geno Van DeMark. Five more are portal entries: Micah DeBose, Joe Ionata, Olaus Alinen, Roq Montgomery, and Wilkin Formby.

Why is the attrition good news? There are two reasons. Kalen DeBoer’s offensive lines have needed skill sets in short supply the last two seasons. His offense needs agile, quick-footed offensive linemen. Not many Alabama football fans will disagree, but for those who do, when two late-season games (Georgia and Indiana) are lost by a combined 56 points, a major overhaul is required.

For an offensive line overhaul, the Crimson Tide needed to free up roster slots, to improve talent, and reallocate money. The count of returning offensive linemen (as of late afternoon on Jan. 4) is six: Mike Carroll, Casey Poe, Jackson Lloyd, Mal Waldrep, Red Sanders, and Arkel Anugwon. In addition, the 2026 class added five more: Tyrell Miller (JUCO), Jared Doughty, Chris Booker, Bear Fretwell, and Bryson Cooley

Next for the Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama could get lucky and have Parker Brailsford decide to play another season of college ball. Assuming that luck will not occur, three or four offensive linemen need to be added through the Portal. At least two of them need to be tabbed as near-locks to start in next fall’s season opener.

So far, the only target known publicly is Texas State center, Brock Riker. New targets are expected to surface soon, some of whom may not be in the portal yet. According to Yahoo Sports, Riker has been targeted by at least nine Power Four programs, with more offers expected soon.

The large number of transfer exits may be an indication that offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic will also move on. Many Alabama football fans are looking forward to DeBoer bringing in a new OL coach.

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Alabama

Alabama outside linebacker to reportedly enter NCAA transfer portal

Published

21 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Alabama outside linebacker to reportedly enter NCAA transfer portal

According to a report from ESPN’s Max Olson, Alabama Crimson Tide outside linebacker Noah Carter is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal following two seasons in Tuscaloosa.

Carter is the first Alabama outside linebacker to enter the transfer portal so far this cycle.

The outside linebacker originally came to Alabama as a member of the Crimson Tide’s 2024 class, and was one of the first big commitments of the Kalen DeBoer era. Then, Carter was rated as the nation’s No. 109 overall prospect, as well as No. 9 edge rusher nationally, out of Centennial High School in Arizona, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

During his two seasons at Alabama, Carter posted a combined 11 tackles and 0.5 TFL across 14 games played. The outside linebacker appeared in 11 games this past season, posting nine tackles and 0.5 TFL.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

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Alabama

The Ty Simpson Conversation Alabama Can’t Ignore

Published

1 day ago

January 3, 2026

Press Room

The Ty Simpson Conversation Alabama Can’t Ignore

In the aftermath of Alabama’s embarrassing Rose Bowl loss, one of the loudest and most important conversations surrounding the program isn’t just about the offensive line, the play-calling, or the defensive breakdowns. It’s about Ty Simpson, and what comes next for him.

Tom Loy of 247Sports recently added serious fuel to that conversation when he said:

“If Ty Simpson gets a first-round grade, he’s gone to the NFL. If not, keep an eye on Tennessee and Oregon.”

That’s a big deal. And it’s a conversation worth having.

At this point, there are three realistic paths in front of Simpson: return to Alabama, enter the NFL Draft, or transfer. After the Rose Bowl performance and the questions it raised, nothing feels guaranteed anymore.

The idea of Simpson potentially leaving Alabama is shocking, especially the Oregon part. Tennessee makes some sense. They’ve built a reputation for developing quarterbacks, playing fast, and creating offensive systems that highlight strengths. But Oregon? That hits different. Tennessee is home. Well, at least for Ty. After all, he’s from Martin, Tennessee. And he actually almost chose to go to play for the Volunteers before committing to the Crimson Tide.

The Vols have familiarity, comfort, and a system that could give Simpson the keys immediately.

That alone makes the possibility unsettling for Alabama fans.

Still, before anyone panics, it’s important to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.

Ty Simpson finished the season completing 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Statistically, that’s a strong season. It shows efficiency, decision-making, and growth, even amidst inconsistency. But the Rose Bowl exposed something numbers don’t always tell, the need for experience, command, and comfort under pressure.

That’s where an interesting comparison comes into play: Jalen Hurts.

Like Simpson, Hurts once faced uncertainty at Alabama.

Like Simpson, he had to make a decision about his future when the situation wasn’t crystal clear.

Hurts chose to leave with the blessing of Nick Saban, transferred to Oklahoma, and had a phenomenal season. That single year of experience, tape, and confidence skyrocketed his draft stock and reshaped his NFL future.

Maybe, just maybe, that same path could exist for Ty Simpson.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Alabama has already lost him.

In fact, one could argue the best thing for Simpson might be another year as a starter, whether that’s in Tuscaloosa or elsewhere.

Quarterbacks don’t just need talent; they need reps, adversity, and film that shows growth. One more season of full command, especially behind a stronger offensive line and a more stable system, could change everything.

As for the NFL, the message from Tom Loy is clear: if Simpson hears “first-round,” he’s gone.

And he should be.

You don’t pass up that opportunity.

But if the grade comes back lower, returning, or transferring, becomes a smart business decision, not an emotional one.

Right now, nothing is decided.

But the fact that Tennessee and Oregon are even being mentioned tells you how real this situation is. The transfer portal has changed the game of college football, and now, and players like Ty Simpson now have leverage, options, and choices.

The Ty Simpson conversation isn’t just about one quarterback.

It’s about where Alabama football is headed, and how quickly things can change.

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