Alabama Baseball Defeats Samford 14-5, Prepares for Crucial SEC Series at Ole Miss

The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team secured a 14-5 victory over the Samford Bulldogs at Sewell-Thomas Stadium on Tuesday night. After falling behind 4-0 in the second inning, Alabama erupted for 11 runs in the third inning, including three two-run home runs, to take control of the game.

Freshman shortstop Justin Lebron led the offensive onslaught for the Crimson Tide, going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs. Outfielders Evan Sleight and TJ McCants also contributed two-run homers in the decisive third inning. "I thought our energy was really good tonight," said Alabama head coach Rob Vaughn. "We had some guys step up and have some big at-bats for us."

On the mound, Alabama used a committee approach after starter Kade Snell struggled early. Freshman reliever Austin Morris earned the win, stabilizing the game after Samford's early outburst. The loss dropped Samford's record to 26-14 on the season, while Alabama improved to 26-15.

The Crimson Tide will now turn their attention to a pivotal SEC road series against the Ole Miss Rebels, set to begin on Thursday in Oxford. Alabama's starting rotation for the series is expected to feature Greg Farone (Sr., LHP) in the opener, followed by the return of Ben Hess (Jr., RHP) from injury on Friday, and Zane Adams (Fr., LHP) in the series finale on Saturday.

Why this matters: The upcoming series against Ole Miss carries significant implications for both teams in the highly competitive SEC West division. Alabama, currently ranked No. 23, will look to improve upon their 3-7 road record in conference play and solidify their position in the standings. The Rebels, coming off a midweek win of their own, view this home series as a must-win to keep pace in the division race.

The first pitch of Thursday's series opener is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT and will be nationally televised on ESPNU. Friday's game will air on SEC Network+ at 2 p.m., while the Saturday finale is set for SEC Network at a time to be determined. "We know it's going to be a hostile environment," Vaughn said of the upcoming road trip. "But that's what makes playing in the SEC so special. We're looking forward to the challenge."

Key Takeaways

• Alabama baseball defeated Samford 14-5, led by 3 2-run homers in 11-run 3rd inning.
• Freshman Justin Lebron had 3 hits, 1 HR, 4 RBIs for Alabama.
• Alabama faces pivotal SEC road series at Ole Miss, starting Thursday on ESPNU.
• Alabama aims to improve 3-7 road record in SEC play, while Ole Miss seeks to keep pace.
• Alabama's starting rotation for Ole Miss series: Farone, Hess, Adams.