MONTGOMERY, Ala. | No. 9 The University of Alabama used a seven-run seventh inning to pull away from Alabama State University on Tuesday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
Junior Jose Almazan (2-2) started and took the loss on the mound for Alabama State (8-10). Freshman Jafet Martinez was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 2.2 shutout innings while allowing three hits, walking none and striking out three.
In addition to his three hits, Chandler had a double and three RBI to lead the Hornets. Sophomore Jamal George furnished a standout performance as well, going 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk and an RBI. Junior Kyler McIntosh also chipped in for Alabama State, putting together one hit in five trips to the plate while adding two RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hornets got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the bottom of the first inning. George put Alabama State on the board with a one-out solo home run off freshman Zane Adams.
The Hornets lost the lead they built in the first, but got back on the board in the fifth trailing 4-1. Freshman Isaiah Landry came across to score the lone run of the inning for Alabama State, which brought the score to 4-2 in favor of the Crimson Tide.
Alabama expanded their lead to 8-2 before the Alabama State offense got back to work, reducing that lead to 8-5 in the sixth. The Hornets scored three runs in the frame, two of them coming across on a two-run single off the bat of McIntosh.
The Crimson Tide expanded their lead to 15-5 before the Alabama State offense got back in gear, biting into that lead in the seventh. The Hornets scored two runs when a single from Chandler scored senior Ali LaPread and George, tightening the Alabama lead to 15-7. The Hornets were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
GAME NOTES
» Chandler led the Hornets, picking up three base hits in the ballgame.
» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed three runs across.
» Alabama State went 4-for-12 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 51 Alabama hitters in the game, allowing three ground balls and 17 fly balls while striking out six.
» Chandler led the Hornets at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double and three RBI.
» Alabama was led offensively by senior TJ McCants, who went 4-for-4 with a double, three home runs and six RBI.
» Adams led the Crimson Tide pitching staff, throwing three innings of one-run ball.
UP NEXT: Alabama State hosts a three-game SWAC series against Alabama A&M on Friday at 6 p.m. in Montgomery, Ala.
