No. 20 Alabama Defeats UIC 11-1 in Seven Innings

The Crimson Tide used a five-run first inning to down the Flames in Game 1 of the weekend set.

Austin Hannon | Mar 3, 2023

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Another new opponent, still no problem for Alabama Baseball.

The 20th-ranked Crimson Tide (10-0) run-ruled the UIC Flames 11-1 on Friday night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

"Another great effort by our club," head coach Brad Bohannon said. "Really liked the way we came out hot today. I thought the top of the order did a really good job of taking some borderline pitches, working some walks."

Alabama scored five runs in the first inning to quickly jump ahead. By the end of the evening, another double-digit score was on the board.

Tommy Seidl went 2-for-3 with six RBIs. Seidl hit a grand slam in the first inning to start the onslaught of scoring for the Crimson Tide.

"It felt great," Seidl said. "[Andrew Pinckney] told me that their pitcher's got a little more jump to it than he had thought. So he just said 'Stay on top of it' — that was the plan going into the at-bat."

Freshman third baseman Colby Shelton hit two home runs himself — one in the second inning and the other in the sixth inning.

Andrew Pinckney and Jim Jarvis each added an RBI as well.

Grayson Hitt served up another solid start, surrendering just one run in five innings pitched. Hitt allowed seven baserunners — but just one of them crossed the plate for the Flames (4-4).

"They kind of got on base a little early in the game," Hitt said. "We had a seven-run lead, so I was just able to focus on the batter and didn't really worry about too much on base."

Hagan Banks pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

Game 2 of the weekend three-game set will be Saturday at 2 p.m. CT on SEC Network+. RHP Ben Hess (3.00 ERA) will start on the mound for Alabama.

How It Happened

Final Score: Alabama 11 | UIC 1

Seventh Inning

FINAL (7) : Alabama 11 | UIC 1

The Crimson Tide picks up another run-rule victory, smashing the Flames by 10 runs on a nice night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
Another solid start for Grayson Hitt, six RBIs from Tommy Seidl. Game 2 tomorrow at 2 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.

Sixth Inning

The Crimson Tide is three outs away from a run-rule victory here tonight. Hagan Banks back out to the mound.

Alabama 11 | UIC 1 | End 6th

Tommy Seidl delivers again — potentially sending this one home early. Runners on the corners with two away for Bryce Eblin.

Alabama 11 | UIC 1 | Bottom 6th, 2 Outs

Swinney walks. Bases loaded with two outs for Tommy Seidl. He hit a grand slam earlier tonight.

Hodo and Max Williams move up a base after a wild pitch. Two-out RBI situation for Mason Swinney.

Pinch-hitter Will Hodo drops on in to shallow left field. Two on, one out for pinch-hitter William Hamiter.

Pinch-hitter Max Williams walks with one out.

Colby Shelton with his second solo home run of the night. The true freshman is a star.

Alabama 9 | UIC 1 | Bottom 6th, 0 Outs

Quick inning for Hagan Banks. Thinking he's going to be a big factor in the Crimson Tide's bullpen this season. Top of the lineup due up.

Alabama 8 | UIC 1 | Mid 6th

Two-out bunt single for UIC's Zane Zielinski.

Fifth Inning

Final Line on Hitt: 5 IP (91 P), 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

Mac Guscette grounds out, stranding Tommy Seidl at third. RHP Hagan Banks is now on to pitch for Grayson Hitt.

Alabama 8 | UIC 1 | End 5th

Jim Jarvis and Tommy Seidl are HBP — and advanced to second and third. Jarvis scores after an errant throw in the infield.

Alabama 8 | UIC 1 | Bottom 5th, 2 Outs

Drew Williamson makes a nice stop on the first base line to retire the side. Tamez, Jarvis and Seidl due up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 7 | UIC 1 | Mid 5th

The Flames have runners on the corners after a two-out walk by Rayth Petersen.

Cole Conn walks. He's got two BB and a solo HR tonight for UIC.

Fourth Inning

Caden Rose is ruled out due to interference by Andrew Pinckney. Drew Williamson with a loud out No. 3.

Alabama 7 | UIC 1 | End 4th

Caden Rose reaches on error.

Rose steals second.

The leadoff single is all for the Flames. Rose, Pinckney and Williamson coming up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 7 | UIC 1 | Mid 4th

Leadoff hit for UIC's AJ Henkle to start the fourth.

Third Inning

Colby Shelton strikes out to end the threat. First scoreless inning for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 7 | UIC 1 | End 3rd

Eblin advances to second on a wild pitch.

Bryce Eblin rips a single through the right side.

Cole Conn's leadoff solo shot is the only run of the third for the Flames. Seidl, Eblin and Guscette coming up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 7 | UIC 1 | Mid 3rd

Cole Conn homers.

Alabama 7 | UIC 1 | Top 3rd, 0 Outs

Second Inning

Dominic Tamez feet — inches — away from an RBI double. Instead, the Crimson Tide is held off from scoring any more.

Alabama 7 | UIC 0 | End 2nd

Drew Williamson walks. First and second, one out for Dominic Tamez.

Andrew Pinckney drives in another — and makes it to second base. Getting ugly quick at The Joe.

Alabama 7 | UIC 0 | Bottom 2nd, 1 Out

Rose steals third.

Rose advances to second on a wild pitch.

Caden Rose finds a hole on the left side for a base hit.

Solo shot for Colby Shelton — absolutely crushed.

Alabama 6 | UIC 0 | Bottom 2nd, 1 Out

Andrew Pinckney makes a diving grab in right to keep the Flames off the board. Guscette, Shelton and Rose due up for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 5 | UIC 0 | Mid 2nd

Another one-out hit for UIC. This time — Zane Zielinski.

First base hit of the night for the Flames comes off the bat of Breck Nowik.

First Inning

Eblin is thrown out trying to reach second on a wild pitch. What an effort by the Crimson Tide. Back-to-back strikeouts to start — then five free passes and a grand slam.

Alabama 5 | UIC 0 | End 1st

Bryce Eblin is HBP. The never-ending inning continues for Alabama.

Grand slam for Tommy Seidl — and boy, did he need it. Crimson Tide busts this one open early.

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

Fourth walk in a row forces home Andrew Pinckney. Tommy Seidl will now get a chance with the bases loaded.

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

Third walk in a row — this time Dominic Tamez. The bases are loaded with two gone for Jim Jarvis.

Drew Williamson walks as well. Two on, two out for Dominic Tamez.

Andrew Pinckney walks with two outs. His fifth BB of the season.

Great response from Grayson Hitt. Walks the opening batter, but retires the next three in order. Shelton, Rose and Pinckney will start it off for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 0 | UIC 0 | Mid 1st

Grayson Hitt walks the opening batter of the game.

Pregame

The 10-run mercy rule will be in effect all weekend for No. 20 Alabama and UIC.

Tonight's Umpires:

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

Starters for Alabama:

1. Colby Shelton (3B)
2. Caden Rose (CF)
3. Andrew Pinckney (RF)
4. Drew Williamson (1B)
5. Dominic Tamez (DH)
6. Jim Jarvis (SS)
7. Tommy Seidl (LF)
8. Bryce Eblin (2B)
9. Mac Guscette (C)
On the Mound: LHP Grayson Hitt (3.12 ERA)