Lemm’s Walk-Off Homer Lifts Crimson Tide to 5-4 Game One Win Over Vanderbilt

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama took game one of is three-game set against Vanderbilt, 5-4, thanks to outfielder Eric Hines's three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh and designated hitter John Lemm's walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth.

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Vanderbilt struck first with a two-run home run to right-center field by first baseman Tommy Goodin in the top of the first inning, giving the Commodores a two-run lead going into the bottom of the third.

Alabama responded in the bottom of the second with a run of their own, set up by a triple to right-center field from first baseman Luke Vaughn. Vaughn scored on an RBI groundout by right fielder Peyton Steele, making it a 2-1 game going into the third inning.

The Commodores added to their lead in the top of the fourth when designated hitter Colin Barczi hit a solo home run to right-center field, putting Vanderbilt ahead 3-1 going into the bottom of the fourth.

Alabama was poised to cut into Vanderbilt's lead in the bottom of the fifth after Lemm led off with a double and Jason Torres singled, putting runners on the corners with only one out. However, Lemm was tagged out at third when the Commodores' third baseman successfully executed a hidden ball trick. Steele followed with a single, but the Tide couldn't capitalize, as second baseman Brennan Holt lined out to left field to end the inning. 

In the top of the sixth, center fielder Rustan Rigdon hit Vanderbilt's third home run of the game, a solo shot over right-center field, increasing the Commodores' lead to three runs going into the bottom of the sixth.

In the bottom of the sixth, freshman outfielder Eric Hines, a Tuscaloosa native, delivered a three-run home run, bringing home Brady Neal (who singled earlier) and Bryce Fowler (who walked). This marked Hines's fifth home run of the season and tied the game at 4-4 heading into the seventh.

Alabama's starting pitcher, Tyler Fay, had a solid outing, allowing four runs, all via home runs, over six innings. The junior right-hander gave up three home runs but still managed seven strikeouts, scattered eight hits, and allowed just one walk. His day ended in the top of the seventh when left-handed reliever Matthew Heiberger took over. Heiberger pitched the rest of the game, allowing only one hit and one walk over 2.2 scoreless innings, picking up his third win of the season and improving his record to 3-2.

The Crimson Tide sealed the win in the bottom of the ninth when Lemm hit a walk-off home run over center field. Lemm redeemed himself after his mistake in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Australian's seventh home run of the season gave Alabama the 5-4 victory in game one.

Alabama improves to 30-16 on the season and 11-11 in conference play. Game two is set for Friday at 12:30 p.m., after being bumped up a few hours from its original start time which was 6 p.m. due to weather.

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