TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — Brady Neal’s two-run homer in the first inning sparked Alabama, and the Crimson Tide held off a late rally to defeat Jacksonville State 6-5 on Tuesday evening at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

The Gamecocks led 5-2 after Luke Williams’ two-run single in the second, but Alabama chipped away. Neal scored on a Gage Torres double in the third before the Tide tied it in the sixth on a Bryce Holt single. Steele scored the decisive run on a sacrifice fly by Lebron later that frame.

Jacksonville State loaded the bases in the ninth and Matthew Cash delivered a two-run double, but Ashton Crowther stranded the tying run at third to seal it. Relief pitching dominated, with Jacksonville State’s Jackson Sleeper and Alabama’s Crowther combining for 4 1/3 hitless innings. Both teams are now 10-3.