No. 20 Alabama Baseball Runs Away from UIC in Game 2

The Crimson Tide moved to 11-0 after an offensive explosion in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

Austin Hannon | Mar 4, 2023

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It didn't look like the way it was going for a while, but Alabama Baseball run-ruled the UIC Flames once again on Saturday afternoon — winning 11-0.

"Really happy with the win," pitching coach Jason Jackson said. "It was a little bit of a pitcher's duel early. Their guy did a really good job changing speeds, kept us off-balance. We hit some balls hard right at guys. I think our guys did a great job of not getting frustrated and kept on having great at-bats. You knew you were going to get through eventually."

The game was a scoreless pitcher's duel up until the bottom of the fifth inning when the Crimson Tide (11-0) scored three runs. Alabama then scored six more in the sixth and two more in the bottom of the seventh to walk-off the Flames (4-5) in style.

Freshman Colby Shelton continues to be a problem for opposing teams at the plate, hitting two more home runs — including a grand slam. Shelton hit two home runs on Friday as well.

When asked if he was expecting to start his first collegiate season like this, his answer was short and simple. His coach had different thoughts.

"No," Shelton said.

"I was," Jackson said.

The Crimson Tide has hit grand slams in three consecutive games for just the second time in program history. The last and only other time came in 2000.

Andrew Pinckney had a home run and two RBIs as well.

Pinch-hitter Max Williams picked up the two RBIs that clinched the run-rule victory in the seventh inning.

RHP Ben Hess came into Saturday with a 3.00 ERA. He pitched 5.2 scoreless innings on Saturday, allowing just one hit. He walked three and struck out eight.

"I think I'm settling in fine," Hess said. "Today I had some command issues early but got my fastball going a little later on. [The] defense made some really good plays behind me."

After South Carolina lost to Clemson Friday night, Alabama is now the only undefeated team in the SEC.

The Crimson Tide looks to keep its 11-game winning streak alive in the series finale against UIC on Sunday at noon CT on SEC Network+.

How It Happened

Final Score: Alabama 11 | UIC 0

Seventh Inning

Two-run double from Max Williams ends this one after seven innings.

FINAL (7) : Alabama 11 | UIC 0

The Crimson Tide run-rules the Flames again on Saturday afternoon, moving to 11-0 on the season. First pitch for Game 3 is set for Sunday at noon CT on SECN+.

Brad Bohannon holds Jaxson West at third base, and Alabama will need a hit from Max Williams to end this one.

The game-winning run is on first base to start the inning. Jaxson West walks.

Double play ends the top of the seventh inning for the Flames. One run in the bottom half will do it here this afternoon. Time to stretch.

Alabama 9 | UIC 0 | Mid 7th

UIC's Charlie Szykowny is HBP to open the seventh.

Sixth Inning

Will Portera flies out to deep left field. Crimson Tide adds six more in the sixth.

Alabama 9 | UIC 0 | End 6th

Sacrifice fly to right by William Hamiter. The run-rule runner is on third with two outs.

Alabama 9 | UIC 0 | Bottom 6th, 2 Outs

Pinch-hitter Ryan Guardino walks. Will Hodo is HBP. Bases loaded for William Hamiter. Base hit would give Alabama a 10-run lead heading into the seventh.

Ed Johnson singles to center.

Are you kidding me? Colby Shelton hits his fourth home run of the weekend — this time a grand slam. Freshman.

Alabama 8 | UIC 0 | Bottom 6th, 1 Out

Rose draws a full-count walk, loading the bases for Colby Shelton. Probably not the guy UIC wants to see at the plate.

Another base hit — this time Bryce Eblin. Runners on the corners with one out for Caden Rose.

Dominic Tamez sends a roller into right field, scoring Jim Jarvis from second.

Alabama 4 | UIC 0 | Bottom 6th, 1 Out

One-out double to the gap for Jim Jarvis.

Right place, right time for Caden Rose — making the play in center field to end the inning. Seidl, Jarvis and Tamez coming up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 3 | UIC 0 | Mid 6th

Alton Davis II walks his first batter of the afternoon.

LHP Alton Davis II will replace Ben Hess on the mound with two outs in the sixth. Final Line: 5.2 IP (88 P), 1 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K Great start for the sophomore.

Fifth Inning

Crimson Tide puts up three runs in the fifth — all with two outs. Ben Hess back out to the mound.

Alabama 3 | UIC 0 | End 5th

Andrew Pinckney sends one to right field. His second bomb of the year. More two-out magic for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 3 | UIC 0 | Bottom 5th, 2 Outs

Another two-out base knock — this time Ed Johnson.

Colby Shelton — third home run of the series already. Line drive to right field. Big hit with two outs.

Alabama 1 | UIC 0 | Bottom 5th, 2 Outs

Great play by Dominic Tamez. Runs down an errant strike-three pitch and fires it to first. Eblin, Rose and Shelton due up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 0 | UIC 0 | Mid 5th

Fourth Inning

Dominic Tamez grounds out to third, ending the threat for the Crimson Tide. Onto the fifth inning.

Alabama 0 | UIC 0 | End 4th

Jim Jarvis walks to first after a pitch clock violation on #UIC's Brandon Bak. Bases loaded, two outs for Dominic Tamez.

Four-pitch walk for Tommy Seidl. First and second, two away for Jim Jarvis.

Andrew Pinckney drives one into left field for a one-out single.

Flames' Charlie Szykowny is caught in a pickle to end the inning. Johnson, Pinckney and Williamson next up for the Crimson Tide in the bottom of the fourth.

Alabama 0 | UIC 0 | Mid 4th

One-out base hit for UIC's Charlie Szykowny.

Third Inning

What a catch by Flames CF Bobby Grimes. Up against the wall, saving extra bases by Colby Shelton. Still scoreless through three.

Alabama 0 | UIC 0 | End 3rd

Leadoff single for Dominic Tamez.

Just the one baserunner for the Flames. Tommy Seidl chases one down to the warning track to end the inning. Tamez, Eblin and Rose coming up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 0 | UIC 0 | Mid 3rd

One-out walk surrendered by Ben Hess.

Second Inning

Tommy Seidl hits into a double play and Jim Jarvis grounds out to first to quickly end the effort.

Alabama 0 | UIC 0 | End 2nd

Drew Williamson crushes one past UIC's Ryan Nagelbach. Almost put a hole in his glove.

Ben Hess is starting to cook, striking out two in the inning. Nice pick by Drew Williamson at first to retire the Flames in order. Williamson, Seidl and Jarvis coming up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 0 | UIC 0 | Mid 2nd

First Inning

Three up, three down for the Crimson Tide in the first. Ed Johnson took one to the warning track.

Alabama 0 | UIC 0 | End 1st

Big strikeout for Ben Hess to finish off the Flames in the first inning. Little bit of trouble, but no damage done. Shelton, Johnson and Pinckney will lead it off for the Crimson Tide in the bottom half.

Alabama 0 | UIC 0 | Mid 1st

After a double play, Ben Hess walks his second batter of the inning.

Ben Hess walks the Flames' opening batter.

Pregame

Today's Umpires:

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

Starters for Alabama:

1. Colby Shelton (3B)
2. Ed Johnson (DH)
3. Andrew Pinckney (RF)
4. Drew Williamson (1B)
5. Tommy Seidl (LF)
6. Jim Jarvis (SS)
7. Dominic Tamez (C)
8. Bryce Eblin (2B)
9. Caden Rose (CF)
On the Mound: RHP Ben Hess (3.00 ERA)

Beautiful Saturday afternoon at The Joe.

No. 20 #Alabama (10-0) looks for the series-clinching win this afternoon against #UIC (4-4).

First pitch coming up at 2 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.

I’ll have coverage all afternoon for @BamaCentral. pic.twitter.com/3K37B8wMpY
— Austin Hannon (@austinhannon_) March 4, 2023