March 21, 2021

By Alex Thompson

University of Alabama Athletics

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Alabama baseball’s late rally came up short as the 22nd-ranked Crimson Tide fell, 3-1, to No. 1 Arkansas on Sunday afternoon at Baum-Walker Stadium.

The loss moves UA to 15-5 on the season, including a 1-2 mark in Southeastern Conference play.

Arkansas recorded a solo home run in the fourth and used a two-out, bases-loaded single in the sixth to take a 3-0 lead. Alabama entered the ninth down three, but a solo home run from Sam Praytor to start the inning gave the Tide life. Caden Rose then drew a one-out walk before a pair of strikeouts ended the game in favour of the Hogs.

Montreal native Antoine Jean (2-1) was handed the loss despite a strong outing. The left-hander worked five innings, allowing one run on three hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts. Arkansas reliever Kevin Kopps (4-0) picked up the win with 3 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball while closer Jaxon Wiggins collected his third save, closing out the final frame.

From Head Coach Brad Bohannon

“With the wind blowing in, it was a really tough day to score at Baum-Walker Stadium. Both starters pitched really well. Arkansas took advantage of their opportunities to score and were better than us out of the bullpen today.”

How It Happened

B4 | Brady Slavens sent a solo shot over the wall in right. (1-0, Arkansas)

B6 | With the bases loaded and two down, a single to left brought in two more. (3-0, Arkansas)

T9 | Sam Praytor led off the ninth with a solo home run, his fourth of the season. (3-1, Arkansas)

Postgame Notes

-Chase Lee made his seventh consecutive scoreless appearance out of the bullpen. Lee has totaled 14 innings of work across that time.

-Alabama’s bats recorded five home runs on the weekend. The five homers are the second-most for the Tide in a weekend series this season, trailing only the seven across opening weekend with McNeese from Feb. 19-21.

-Jim Jarvis got aboard in today’s game and has now reached base safely in 18 straight games dating back to Feb. 21.

The Crimson Tide returns to Tuscaloosa for a nine-game homestand at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The stretch begins on Tuesday, March 23, as the Crimson Tide welcomes Southern Miss to town. First pitch between the Tide and Golden Eagles is set for 6 p.m. C.T. with the game airing on SEC Network+.