University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
Alabama
Alabama Downs Vols 6-2
May 02, 2003 | Baseball
May 2, 2003
Knoxville, Tenn. - The No. 22 Alabama mustered just three hits, but benefited from nine Tennessee walks as the Crimson Tide handed the Volunteers a 6-2 loss in the first of three games at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Game two of the series is Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
After collecting its hits in the first two innings, a lead off single by Travis Garner, a double by Adam Pavkovich in the first and a Zach Welch hit in the second, Alabama (32-14, 13-9 SEC) plated the first run of the game the hard way in the fifth as Garner bowled over catcher Javi Herrera at the plate, touching the dish with his hand.
After untangling, both players exchanged words while both benches cleared and a scrum ensued. The umpires and coaches quickly broke up the melee with no ejections and stern warnings issued to both benches.
With one out in the inning, Pavkovich reached on a fielders choice sacrifice bunt, taking second when Allen Rice got hit by a pitch. Then Pavkovich reached on an error by the shortstop Brian Cleveland that allowed Garner to race around third. First baseman Nick Crowe fielded the loose ball and unleashed a throw that was up the line out of Herrera's reach when the collision occurred.
Ben Riley (3-4), who took the loss while suffering a bruised lower back after getting caught up in the action, never regained his composure. He walked four of the next five hitters while the Tide benefited from the third Vol error of the inning. When the dust settled, Alabama had a 6-0 lead without the benefit of a hit in the inning.
Joey Andrews proved to be near flawless in relief as he retired the first 10 hitters he faced before giving up a walk to Garner in the eighth. He would pitch the final 4 2/3 innings, striking out six and walking two.
Tennessee (25-21, 8-14 SEC) reeled off four straight two-out hits, including back-to-back RBI singles from Jordan Czarniecki and Josh Alley to cut the Tide lead to 6-2.
Brent Carter (8-4) struck out 11 in eight innings in picking up the win, while Brian Reed pitched the ninth, striking out two.
