It did not take long for Rob Vaughn to pick up his first win as the head baseball coach at the University of Alabama. On Friday evening, the Crimson Tide defeated Manhattan, 4-0.
Alabama’s productivity on the mound was key in the season-opener. Junior pitcher Ben Hess started for the Crimson Tide and was exceptional in his first outing.
Hess pitched four innings and struck out nine batters. He allowed one hit and walked two.
He was relieved by junior Hagan Banks. The Georgia native worked 2 2/3 innings, allowing one hit and one walk. He struck out five.
Junior pitcher Braylon Myers closed with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball.
Offensively, Alabama was led by newcomers Ian Petrutz and Evan Sleight. the two combined to drive in two runs and go 3-7 at the plate. Junior first baseman Will Hodo also drove in one.
Other players who had hits were TJ McCants (2) and Justin Lebron (1).
Alabama will return to Sewell-Thomas Stadium to take on Manhattan in Game 2 of the series. First pitch for Saturday’s matchup is scheduled for 2 p.m. CST. The game is scheduled to be carried on the SEC Network+.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest regarding the Alabama baseball program.