University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
Alabama
Tennessee Drops Series Opener to Alabama 9-2
April 03, 2009 | Baseball
April 3, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - A complete game by right-hander Austin Hyatt and a fourth-inning grand slam by first baseman Brandon May led Alabama to a 9-2 victory over Tennessee on Friday night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
Tennessee (12-17, 1-9 SEC) recorded all three of its hits in the sixth inning, the fewest hits for the team all season.
Alabama (18-10, 4-6 SEC) has homered in every game this season with the exception of two. They have a team total of 59 homers and were ranked fourth nationally coming into the weekend.
In his second start of the season, junior Aaron Tullo (1-4) allowed five runs on four hits through 3-1/3 inning. Tullo walked three, struck out five and hit four batters.
Hyatt (5-1) threw 115 pitches to earn his first complete game of the season. The senior retired the first 15 he faced before allowing a lead-off single to first baseman Cody Brown in sixth. Hyatt is 8-1 in his last nine decisions dating back to last season.
Alabama got the scoring started with a run in the bottom of the second. Designated hitter Tyler Odle's RBI single drove in third baseman Jake Smith to give the Crimson Tide a 1-0 lead. Smith reached base after being hit by a pitch.
The Crimson Tide jumped ahead 6-0 with a five-run fourth inning. The frame was highlighted by a grand slam by May. Second baseman Ross Wilson's RBI single through the left side scored centerfield Alex Kubal.
Alabama catcher Vin DiFazio led off the fifth inning with a solo home run to left field to make the score 7-0.
Tennessee scored two runs in the top of the sixth game on a RBI single off the bat of third baseman Mike Hornsby followed by a sacrifice fly by right fielder Josh Liles. Second baseman Cody Grisham scored on the sacrifice to cut Alabama's lead to 7-2.
Alabama tallied two unearned runs in the eighth to take a 9-2 advantage.
Right-hander Stephen McCray worked 3-2/3 innings out of the bullpen for Tennessee surrendering two runs on three hits and striking out four. Will Locante and Steve Crnkovich combined to pitch the final inning.
The two teams return to the diamond Saturday at 4:05 p.m. CT when Tennessee left-hander Nick Hernandez (1-3, 5.35 ERA) takes the mound against left-hander Del Howell, Jr. (2-1, 4.20 ERA) for Alabama.
