By Adeniyi Precious 
The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team kept their perfect start alive with a blowout 15-1 win over Alabama State on Wednesday night, sealing another run-rule victory.
Despite the chilly weather at Sewell-Thomas Stadium, Alabama’s offense stayed red-hot. Right fielder Bryce Fowler had a monster night, driving in six runs—including a third-inning grand slam that put the game out of reach early.
On the mound, Zach Kittrell made his first start for the Tide and was lights out, retiring all six batters he faced in two perfect innings. Alabama’s pitchers held Alabama State hitless for more than four innings and didn’t allow a run until the final frame.
The Hornets’ best scoring chance came in the fifth when they loaded the bases, but Alabama shut them down again. Meanwhile, Will Plattner, Richie Bonomolo Jr., and Brennen Norton all chipped in with RBI hits to keep the Tide rolling.
Bonomolo and Fowler combined for 10 RBIs, showing how dangerous the bottom and top of Alabama’s lineup can be together. Fowler, reflecting on his big game, admitted he was eager to join the home run party after seeing his teammates go deep in recent games.
Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron also flashed his elite defense, making a highlight-reel double play. His teammates didn’t hold back their praise, with Fowler calling him the best shortstop in the country.
Now at 5-0, Alabama heads to the Jacksonville Classic this weekend to take on Coastal Carolina, NC State, and Ohio State—three teams that play at an SEC-caliber level. Head coach Rob Vaughn is excited to see if his squad can keep up their dominant play away from home.
“We’re gonna be tested,” Vaughn said. “Can we keep playing at this high level on the road? That’s what we’re about to find out.”