Four-Run Ninth Pushes Alabama Past Troy, 11-8

The two in-state foes traded leads six times on the night

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. | In a wild game that featured six lead changes, a four-run ninth inning pushed Alabama baseball past Troy, 11-8, on Saturday night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The Crimson Tide is now 42-19 on the season and 2-0 in the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional.

Alabama was first to strike with two runs in the second before a five-run third for Troy moved the Trojans ahead. The Tide countered with a four-spot in the fourth to retake the lead before Troy evened things up at six apiece with one in the fifth. UA took the lead right back with a solo homer from Andrew Pinckney in the sixth, but once again, the Trojans pulled in front with a two-run sixth. Both teams would go scoreless until the ninth when a two-out error helped the Tide plate four for the win.

The Tide offense pounded out 13 hits with eight of the nine starters recording at least one knock. Pinckney led the way once again, finishing 3-for-4 with a triple, a homer, two RBI, a pair of runs, and one walk. Also homering was Caden Rose who went 2-for-3 and added a double, two RBI, two walks, and a team-high three runs scored.

Hunter Hoopes (2-1) picked up the win with a 1.0 scoreless frame, while Alton Davis II earned his eighth save of the year thanks to a scoreless ninth that included one strikeout. The loss went to Noah Manning (3-3).

Auburn To Face Baylor In Marquee Non-Conference Matchup at Sanford Pentagon

AUBURN, Ala. | Auburn will face Baylor in a neutral, non-conference matchup to officially tip off the 2023-24 men's college basketball season on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

This marks the second-consecutive year Baylor will compete at the Sanford Pentagon, while it will be the first time Auburn plays on Heritage Court.

"Auburn and Baylor are powerhouse college basketball programs, and this matchup will be an incredible start to the 2023-24 college season at the Sanford Pentagon," said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. "It does not matter where in the country these teams are from – fans in South Dakota love basketball, and they will help make this game a memorable one for the athletes and coaches."

Auburn, a member of the SEC, is coming off a 21-13 season which saw the Tigers advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Forward Johni Broome, an All-SEC Second Team selection, is the team's top returning scorer (14.2 ppg), rebounder (8.4 RPG), and shot blocker (2.4 bpg).