JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A dominant performance from its bullpen and a pair of timely home runs lifted Alabama to a narrow 4-3 victory over Jacksonville State on Tuesday night at Rudy Abbott Field.

In a tightly contested midweek matchup between two of the state’s top teams, the Crimson Tide (23-7) leaned on six relievers who combined for six scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out eight. The group extinguished multiple late-inning threats from the Gamecocks (24-6) to secure the win.

The most critical sequence came in the bottom of the eighth inning with Alabama clinging to a 4-2 lead. Jacksonville State loaded the bases with one out against reliever Alcock, prompting Alabama to bring in Evan Steckmesser. After a strikeout, Steckmesser walked G. Ashe to force in a run, cutting the lead to 4-3. With the bases still loaded, Steckmesser then caught C. John in a rundown between third and home on a delayed steal attempt, with the pitcher applying the tag himself to end the inning and preserve the lead.

Alabama’s offense was powered by two swings. Designated hitter John Lemm provided the early advantage in the second inning, following a single by Torres with a two-run homer to right-center field off Jacksonville State starter B. Thomas. The Crimson Tide added a third run in the fifth when Osterhouse doubled home Lemm.

After Jacksonville State chipped away with a solo homer from pinch-hitter Richardson in the fifth and an unearned run in the seventh, Alabama got a crucial insurance run in the top of the ninth. Neal led off the frame with a solo shot to center field off Gamecocks reliever Skyler Hutto, restoring a two-run cushion that proved vital.

The top star for Alabama was reliever JT Blackwood, who entered in the middle innings and delivered three perfect frames, striking out two. His outing set the tone for the bullpen’s collective effort. Ryan Geraghty was a bright spot for Jacksonville State, allowing just one hit and one earned run over four innings of relief with four strikeouts.

Jacksonville State out-hit Alabama 5-5 but stranded multiple runners in scoring position, going 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and leaving eight men on base. Alabama pitchers walked six but worked out of jams consistently, aided by two double plays.

The victory gave Alabama a season sweep of the home-and-home series after a 6-5 win in Tuscaloosa on March 3. It also marked Alabama’s eighth consecutive victory.

Both teams open conference series on the road Thursday. Alabama travels to face Oklahoma in a Big 12 series, while Jacksonville State hosts Middle Tennessee in Conference USA play.