No. 20 Alabama Baseball Holds Off UIC to Finish Weekend Sweep

The Crimson Tide is now 12-0 on the season after completing the sweep of the Flames at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

Austin Hannon | Mar 5, 2023

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The perfect start continues for Alabama Baseball.

The Crimson Tide (12-0) used its bullpen to hold off the UIC Flames, winning 9-7 on Sunday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

"Glad to get a win, glad to get a sweep," head coach Brad Bohannon said. "Glad to be 12-0. I thought we came out hot and we got up 7-2 — I just felt like we kind of took our foot off the pedal and maybe thought it was going to be easy. Really didn't like the back half of the game. […] We weren't crisp after the fourth inning — gave some at-bats away, but did enough to win the game."

After being run-ruled on both Friday and Saturday, the Flames (4-6) fought — looking to steal a game from the weekend set in Tuscaloosa.

After trailing 2-0, Alabama got five runs in the second inning — and never gave UIC the lead back. The Crimson Tide led 7-2 before allowing the Flames to push back.

Colby Shelton is currently doing the impossible in his freshman season. Shelton hit another grand slam on Sunday, finishing the weekend with five home runs and 11 RBIs in three games.

"I try to go up there every [at-bat] with the same mindset," Shelton said. "Doing anything I can do to help the team get a win."

"I just try to go up there and put a good swing on the ball — and whatever happens, happens. I got that one up in the air — and another grand slam."

Alabama has now hit a grand slam in four consecutive games for the first time in program history.

Jacob McNairy got the start — and it was nowhere near perfect. McNairy allowed six runs but only one was earned. He gave up eight hits in just 3.2 innings.

Alabama's bullpen was very solid, though. That includes RHP Braylon Myers, who got the save for the Crimson Tide. Leading 9-7 in the eighth inning, Myers inherited two runners with one out and got out of the jam — proving to be the key moment in the win.

His mindset in that position?

"Just get the first batter out," Myers said. "Attack the strike zone and get the first batter out."

Alabama is still undefeated through 12 games. The Crimson Tide will now have two midweek games against in-state teams. Alabama will be at Samford on Tuesday before welcoming Alabama State to Sewell-Thomas Stadium on Wednesday.

"We just got to keep playing," Bohannon said. "We've done a good job. I know the competition gets tougher. […] Nobody breaks the huddle in morning workouts in September saying, '12-0.' It's always Omaha and that kind of stuff."

First pitch between the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs on Tuesday is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

How It Happened

Final Score: Alabama 9 | UIC 7

Be sure to refresh your page regularly for live updates. The most recent updates will appear at the top.

Ninth Inning

FINAL: Alabama 9 | UIC 7

The perfect start continues on. The Crimson Tide is now 12-0. Colby Shelton with another grand slam, great work out of the bullpen — especially by Braylon Myers, who picks up the save. Samford and Alabama State coming up in the midweek.

One-out base hit for UIC's Jackson Bessette. Tying run at the plate for the Flames.

Eighth Inning

The Crimson Tide goes quietly in the eighth. Last chance of the weekend coming up for the Flames.

Alabama 9 | UIC 7 | End 8th

What a great job by Braylon Myers, getting out of the big trouble he inherited. Williamson, Hodo and Johnson due up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 9 | UIC 7 | Mid 8th

RBI single for Charlie Szykowny. Still two on with one out. RHP Braylon Myers is taking over on the mound in a big spot.

Alabama 9 | UIC 7 | Top 8th, 1 Out

Tying run is now at the plate for UIC. Runners on the corners, one out for the Flames.

Leadoff double for UIC's Cole Conn.

Seventh Inning

Colby Shelton and Andrew Pinckney strand Mac Guscette at third — and this remains a three-run game. LHP Connor Ball is the new pitcher for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 9 | UIC 6 | End 7th

Mac Guscette walks to start the seventh for Alabama.

1-2-3 inning for Zane Probst. Guscette, Rose and Shelton next up for the Crimson Tide after we stretch.

Alabama 9 | UIC 6 | Mid 7th

Sixth Inning

Three up, three down for the Crimson Tide in the sixth. We head to the seventh inning now — Flames still hanging around. RHP Zane Probst on the mound now for ALA.

Alabama 9 | UIC 6 | End 6th

Riley Quick tightropes out of danger, stranding the bases loaded in the sixth. Johnson, Jarvis and Hamiter due up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 9 | UIC 6 | Mid 6th

Another four-pitch walk. Bases loaded for UIC pinch-hitter Bobby Grimes.

Flames have runners on first and second with one out here in the top of the sixth. Big spot for Riley Quick on the mound.

Fifth Inning

Will Hodo hits it to the wall, but Drew Williamson is thrown out attempting to score from first. RHP Riley Quick on to pitch the sixth for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 9 | UIC 6 | End 5th

Double play maybe gets UIC out of the fifth. Play is under review — Drew Williamson was called safe at first on the field.

Call is confirmed. Williamson remains on first with two outs.

Leadoff base hit for Colby Shelton. He can't get out.

Big sliding stop for Ed Johnson, stranding two Flames at second and third. Top of the lineup coming up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 9 | UIC 6 | Mid 5th

One-out double for UIC's Max Farfan.

Fourth Inning

Two runs is all for the Crimson Tide in the fourth. We're through four at The Joe.

Alabama 9 | UIC 6 | End 4th

Mac Guscette HBP. They're on the corners with two away for Camden Hayslip.

William Hamiter singles, scoring Hodo and moving Jim Jarvis to third. But Hamiter is thrown out trying to leg it out to second.

Alabama 9 | UIC 6 | Bottom 4th, 2 Outs

Jim Jarvis didn't mess around, taking the first pitch to right field — scoring Williamson. Still on the corners with one out for William Hamiter.

Alabama 8 | UIC 6 | Bottom 4th, 1 Out

Ed Johnson bunts, sending runners to second and third with one out. Jim Jarvis at the dish.

Will Hodo smacks a base hit to right. Two on, nobody out for Alabama.

Drew Williamson walks to begin the fourth. His 11th walk of the season already.

Four score for the Flames in the fourth. Williamson, Hodo and Johnson coming up for the Crimson Tide. Can it answer in a big way again?

Alabama 7 | UIC 6 | Mid 4th

Brock Blatter's first batter, Rayth Petersen, rips a double. Came right after UIC head coach Sean McDermott was arguing with the home plate umpire about getting time at the plate.

Not a good day for Jacob McNairy, but he leaves with just one earned run somehow. Final Line: 3.2 IP (62 P), 8 H, 6 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 2 K

Three-run blast for the Flames' Carson Roberts. That'll be the day for Jacob McNairy — Brock Blatter entering.

Alabama 7 | UIC 6 | Top 4th, 2 Outs

Baserunning error on the Flames. Runners on the corners, two outs.

Three straight hits for the Flames. One run scores. Still two on with nobody out.

Alabama 7 | UIC 3 | Top 4th, 0 Outs

Third Inning

The Crimson Tide adds two more in the third inning. Jacob McNairy back out to the mound, looking for another quick inning.

Alabama 7 | UIC 2 | End 3rd

After William Hamiter singles to begin the third, Mac Guscette sends a two-run shot over the wall in left. I know the competition hasn't been great, but this batting lineup is getting very comfortable and confident early in the season.

Alabama 7 | UIC 2 | Bottom 3rd, 0 Outs

Jacob McNairy and Jim Jarvis make quick work of the Flames after the leadoff hit. Hamiter, Guscette and Hayslip coming up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 5 | UIC 2 | Mid 3rd

Jim Jarvis is so smooth. Picks up a double play by himself.

Already a leadoff base hit for the Flames.

Second Inning

The Crimson Tide puts a five-spot up in the second. Done it all weekend — and season. Get punched in the mouth early, punch right back even harder.

Alabama 5 | UIC 2 | End 2nd

Jim Jarvis at the plate with runners on the corners. Two outs.

Now the first time in program history with four straight games with a grand slam for Alabama.

Drew Williamson. Bat flip. Absolutely drilled.

Alabama 5 | UIC 2 | Bottom 2nd, 2 Outs

No. Way. Colby Shelton pummels a grand slam. His fifth home run of the weekend.

Alabama 4 | UIC 2 | Bottom 2nd, 1 Out

One-out walk for William Hamiter. Mac Guscette is HBP. Two on, one out for Camden Hayslip.

Jim Jarvis takes a couple steps into the outfield to make the third out. Jarvis, Hamiter and Guscette due up for the Crimson Tide.

UIC 2 | Alabama 0 | Mid 2nd

Jacob McNairy walks Cole Conn.

Conn steals second.

Double play for the Crimson Tide, but the runner on third crosses the plate to extend the Flames' lead.

UIC 2 | Alabama 0 | Top 2nd, 2 Outs

Jim Jarvis tries to go to third on the fielder's choice — but it's a bad throw. Runners on the corners, nobody out for the Flames.

Leadoff double for UIC's Max Farfan.

First Inning

Ed Johnson fouls out — stranding two.

UIC 1 | Alabama 0 | End 1st

Will Hodo takes one up the middle — and like that Alabama has life here. First and second, two outs for Ed Johnson.

Two-out base hit for Drew Williamson.

Flyout to left ends the threat of any more crossing the plate. Shelton, Pinckney and Williamson will start it off for the Crimson Tide in the bottom half.

UIC 1 | Alabama 0 | Mid 1st

The Flames strike first here today. RBI single for AJ Henkle. They're still on the corners with two away for Ryan Nagelbach.

UIC 1 | Alabama 0 | Top 1st, 2 Outs

Two-out base hit for Charlie Szykowny. Two on for the Flames.

UIC's Carson Roberts HBP with one out.

Pregame

Elite uniform matchup today. Alabama is in the Sunday Crimsons. UIC has on powder blues.

Today's Umpires:

HP: C.J. Burdette
1B: David Bailey
2B: Morris Hodges
3B: Will Posey

Starters for Alabama:

1. Colby Shelton (3B)
2. Andrew Pinckney (CF)
3. Drew Williamson (1B)
4. Will Hodo (DH)
5. Ed Johnson (2B)
6. Jim Jarvis (SS)
7. William Hamiter (LF)
8. Mac Guscette (C)
9. Camden Hayslip (RF)
On the Mound: RHP Jacob McNairy (3.00 ERA)

75 and sunny, going for the sweep - what else could you ask for on a Sunday?

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— Alabama Baseball (@AlabamaBSB) March 5, 2023