Peyton Steele guns down potential tying run at home in 9th as Alabama outlasts No. 19 Oregon State in Frisco College Baseball Classic
By David Wasson
Published:
The Alabama baseball team improved to 9-2 in a most dramatic fashion Saturday night in an 8-7 victory over No. No. 19 Oregon State in the Frisco Classic.
Oregon State loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the ninth and had already scored a run to make it 8-7 when Alabama reliever Hagan Banks faced Oregon State cleanup hitter Bryson Glassco – who smacked a fly ball to right field.
But instead of securing a sacrifice fly that would have tied the game 8-8 with one out, Crimson Tide right fielder Peyton Steele hauled in the catch and then unleashed an absolute pellet of a throw to catcher Brady Neal that nabbed Beavers baserunner Jacob Galloway at home for a double play.
Alabama would then re-load the bases via an intentional walk an force Oregon State’s Adam Haight into a game-ending groundout to secure the victory.
It’s not about making errors, but about making plays,” Alabama coach Rob Vaughn said after the game. “Peyton Steele there in the last inning, that’s what I want from these guys, to be unafraid. Just send your stuff and if you’re wrong, I’ll live with it.”
Alabama finishes up its run in the Frisco College Baseball Classic against Houston at 3 pm Sunday.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
