Alabama
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).
Every April, Alabama football sends a fresh batch of players to the NFL via the NFL draft.
This past April, the Crimson Tide’s streak of having at least one player selected in the first round reached 18 straight years when offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor went to the Miami Dolphins with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
One pick later, the Los Angeles Rams made the most stunning move of the draft when they selected quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall.
Alabama’s 18-year streak of having at least one player selected in the draft is the longest in college football history. The Ohio State Buckeyes are second to Alabama, having had a player drafted in the first round in 11 consecutive years. The Georgia Bulldogs have now done it nine years in a row.
The Crimson Tide had 10 players taken overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Germie Bernard was a second-round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Alabama had seven players drafted on Day 3: LT Overton (fourth round, Dallas Cowboys), Parker Brailsford (fifth round, Cleveland Browns), Justin Jefferson (fifth round, Cleveland), Josh Cuevas (fifth round, Baltimore Ravens), Domani Jackson (sixth round, Green Bay Packers), Tim Keenan III (seventh round, Rams), and Jam Miller (seventh round, New England Patriots).
As for which team has the most Alabama players on its roster after the draft? Take a look.
Which NFL teams have the most Alabama football players?
Here’s a breakdown of Alabama players on current NFL rosters following the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Philadelphia Eagles: 9 — DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Cameron Latu, Jihaad Campbell, Byron Young, Deontae Lawson, Jaeden Roberts, Jalen Hurts (Alabama/Oklahoma)
- Atlanta Falcons: 5 — Da’Shawn Hand, Tua Tagovailoa, Christian Harris, DeMarcco Hellams, Brian Robinson
- Detroit Lions: 4 — Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold
- Seattle Seahawks: 4 — Jarren Reed, Josh Jobe, Jalen Milroe, Robbie Ouzts
- Baltimore Ravens: 3 — Derrick Henry, Marlon Humphrey, Josh Cuevas
- Carolina Panthers: 3 — Bryce Young, John Metchie, LaBryan Ray
- Cleveland Browns: 3 — Jerry Jeudy, Parker Brailsford, Justin Jefferson
- Dallas Cowboys: 3 — Quinnen Williams, Tyler Booker, LT Overton
- Denver Broncos: 3 — Jaylen Waddle, Patrick Surtain II, Que Robinson
- Green Bay Packers: 3 — Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney, Domani Jackson
- Los Angeles Chargers: 3 — Dalvin Tomlinson, JK Scott, Justin Eboigbe
- Los Angeles Rams: 3 — Ty Simpson, Tim Keenan III, Nikhai Hill-Green
- New England Patriots: 3 — Christian Barmore, CJ Dippre, Jam Miller
- New Orleans Saints: 3 — Anfernee Jennings, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Dashawn Jones
- Cincinnati Bengals: 2 — Jonathan Allen, Jordan Battle
- Houston Texans: 2 — Will Anderson Jr., Henry To’oTo’o
- Miami Dolphins: 2 — Ronnie Harrison Jr, Kadyn Proctor
- Minnesota Vikins: 2 — Dallas Turner, Will Reichard
- New York Jets: 2 — Minkah Fitzpatrick, Malachi Moore
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2 — A’Shawn Robinson, Chris Braswell
- Tennessee Titans: 2 — Calvin Ridley, JC Latham
- Arizona Cardinals: 1 — Mack Wilson
- Buffalo Bills: 1 — Phidarian Mathis
- Chicago Bears: 1 — Jedrick Wills Jr.
- Indianapolis Colts: 1 — Tim Smith
- New York Giants: 1 — Evan Neal
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 1 — Germie Bernard
- San Francisco 49ers: 1 — Mac Jones
- Washington Commanders: 1 — Daron Payne
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 0
- Kansas City Chiefs: 0
- Las Vegas Raiders: 0
Follow us at @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook, for ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.
MOBILE, Ala. (WSFA) – Four of the six Republican candidates seeking to be the GOP’s nominee for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat are set to take part in a forum Monday evening.
WSFA 12 News will carry the forum live at 6 p.m. on our website, as well as our news and smart TV apps, and on our Facebook and Youtube channels.
The forum is being hosted by the Azalea City Republican Women of Mobile.
The participants include Seth Burton, Dale Shelton Deas Jr., Steve Marshall, and Rodney Walker.
Rep. Barry Moore and Jared Hudson are not participating.
Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!
Copyright 2026 WSFA. All rights reserved.
Alabama basketball’s Nate Oats weighs in on 2026 NBA Draft exits | VIDEO
Alabama basketball’s Amari Allen and Labaron Philon are off to the 2026 NBA Draft. Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats weighed in on their decisions.
Alabama basketball’s 2025-26 season was one of the most injury-filled years that Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats has experienced in Tuscaloosa.
The health of last year’s Alabama team was a storyline before exhibition play even began. Veteran Latrell Wrightsell Jr. was returning amid recovery for a ruptured Achilles tendon. Transfer guard Jalil Bethea joined the bench after a left foot injury. Collins Onyejiaka and Davion Hannah both spent the majority of their freshman seasons sidelined with medical conditions. Down the stretch, Taylor Bol Bowen played with a fractured hand. Amari Allen, Aden Holloway, London Jemison and Aiden Sherrell all dealt with tweaks and dings.
As the Crimson Tide’s Sweet 16 run came to a close, even Labaron Philon revealed that his injury wasn’t limited to December or January. He played hurt for the entire year.
With the only Alabama player to appear in each game being Houston Mallette, who redshirted his first year with the program, the training room was busy for athletic training and conditioning staffers Clarke Holter, Henry Barrera and Amanda Branson.
Here’s a breakdown of the salaries for the trio who worked behind the scenes to make another NCAA Tournament possible, per information acquired by The Tuscaloosa News from an open records request to the University of Alabama.
What are salaries of Alabama men’s basketball training staff?
Holter has served as athletic trainer for the men’s basketball team for 11 seasons. Barrera has been the program’s strength and conditioning coach since 2022.
Holter received a salary increase in July 2025, making his new annual salary $139,050.
Barrera also received a pay increase in July 2025. He is the highest-paid of the three at $257,500.20 annually.
The exact date of Branson’s hire is unknown. However, public UA payroll data for Branson dates back to 2019.
Branson’s increase letter ahead of the 2025-26 season said that she would be paid $128,750.16.
In a season defined by injuries, their work became as critical as anything that happened on the court.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.
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