MONTEVALLO, Ala. – West Alabama overcame an early five-run deficit, scoring five unanswered runs in the final two innings to secure an 8-7 comeback victory over Montevallo on Sunday at Kermit A. Johnson Field.
The Tigers (16-11, 10-5 GSC) found themselves in a hole early as Montevallo (13-13, 7-8 GSC) jumped out to a 7-2 lead after just two innings. The Falcons capitalized on a five-run second inning, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Connor Crowson and a two-RBI knock from Evan Radford.
West Alabama began its climb back in the fourth when
Colson Thompson launched a solo home run to cut the deficit to 7-3. The game remained quiet for the next three innings as both bullpens settled in, keeping the offenses in check.
In the eighth, the Tigers capitalized on defensive miscues to inch closer.
Blake Vineyard reached on an error that allowed
Nick Wilson to score, and moments later,
Tanner Jones brought in another run with a groundout.
Eli Burwash followed with an RBI single, cutting the Montevallo lead to just one heading into the final frame.
The momentum carried into the ninth as West Alabama completed the comeback. Thompson came through again with an RBI single to tie the game at 7-7, scoring
Nick Wilson.
Tanner Jones then delivered the go-ahead RBI, driving in
Blake Vineyard to put the Tigers ahead for the first time since the opening inning.
The West Alabama bullpen was dominant down the stretch, holding Montevallo scoreless over the final seven innings.
Judah Buckner (2-0) secured the win, tossing two perfect innings with a pair of strikeouts. Starter
Graham Holland struggled early, allowing five runs in just over an inning, but the Tigers' relief corps responded, led by
Nolan Phillips, who threw 3.1 shutout innings while striking out three.
Thompson led the Tigers at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored, two RBIs, and a home run. Wilson and Jones also delivered two hits each, while Burwash added an RBI and a double.
West Alabama will return home to Tartt Field for a Gulf South Conference rematch against Mississippi College on Tuesday, March 18, at 2 p.m.