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Alabama thwarts late Mizzou rally, wins SEC Tournament opener
By Paul Harvey
Published:
The 2025 SEC Baseball Tournament is getting rolling in Hoover, AL, and the first game of the day between Alabama and Mizzou delivered some late-game drama.
The Crimson Tide and Tigers met in the opener of the event on Tuesday morning, and both sides began the day a bit sluggish offensively. No one was able to muster much through the first 3 innings, and it was Mizzou who struck first in the top of the 4th.
Mateo Serna scored the first run of the day via a solo home run. However, that would be the end of the offense for the Tigers, and the slim lead did not even make it until the 5th inning.
In the bottom of the 4th, Justin Lebron tied the score with an RBI single, and Kade Snell gave Alabama the lead for good with an RBI hit of his own. Alabama would add an insurance run in the 7th inning before Brady Neal delivered the final blow, a resounding solo home run in the bottom of the 8th for a 4-1 lead.
The top of the 9th inning was not all smooth sailing for the Tide. Alabama brought in Carson Ozmer to close things out, but the Tigers were able to load the bases with 1 out with a walk, a single and a fielder’s choice and error by the Tide.
Fortunately, Will Hodo delivered a diving grab for the 2nd out of the inning on a line drive that appeared destined for right field. A soft fly ball ended the game, giving Alabama the 4-1 win.
The win sends Alabama into Wednesday’s 2nd round and a matchup vs. Tennessee. The two sides met in Tuscaloosa at the end of March, a series win by the Vols as they took 2 of 3 games vs. the Crimson Tide. Wednesday’s game is set for 10:30 am ET.
With the loss, Missouri wraps up one of the worst SEC baseball seasons possible. The Tigers went 3-27 against conference opponents this season, only beating Texas A&M in a clean 3-game sweep.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
