BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — A pitchers’ duel for seven innings erupted into a decisive eighth-inning rally as the Alabama Crimson Tide edged the Samford Bulldogs 3-2 in a tense, non-conference baseball game Tuesday at Joe Lee Griffin Stadium.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded under evening lights, was a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and timely double plays until Alabama’s offense broke through in the eighth. The victory improved Alabama’s record to 3-1, while Samford fell to an even 2-2.

For seven innings, the contest was a scoreless affair dominated by the starting pitchers and defense. Alabama managed just one hit – a first-inning single by Torres – through the first seven frames against a parade of Samford hurlers. The Bulldogs, conversely, collected seven hits but grounded into two critical double plays, snuffing out potential rallies in the third and fifth innings.

Samford finally cracked the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh against Alabama reliever Austin Morris. After Souders singled, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch, Boykin drove him in with a single to left field. Boykin then moved to second on another wild pitch and scored on a sharp RBI single up the middle by designated hitter Trey Higgins, tying the game and swinging momentum to the home side.

The tie was short-lived. In the top of the eighth, facing Samford reliever John Malone, Alabama’s offense awoke. Pinch-hitter Purdy was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on a single by Neal. Plattner then delivered a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Purdy to reclaim the lead. The next batter, Steele, provided the decisive blow, launching a two-run home run to center field to plate Neal and himself, staking Alabama to a 3-1 advantage.

Samford immediately threatened in the bottom of the eighth against new Alabama pitcher Hagan Banks. Gandy led off with a single, but Banks struck out Harris and, after Gandy was caught stealing, escaped the inning. The Bulldogs mounted one final challenge in the ninth. Souders led off with his second single of the game, bringing the tying run to the plate. Banks, however, bore down, striking out Carr, Boykin and finally Higgins swinging to end the game and secure the save.

The most important part of the game was Alabama’s immediate response in the top of the eighth inning. After Samford had seized momentum with a two-run seventh to tie the game, the Crimson Tide’s three-run answer, capped by Steele’s two-run homer, demonstrated a resilience that ultimately decided the contest. It shifted pressure back to Samford and provided the bullpen with just enough cushion to close out the win.

Alabama’s pitching staff navigated trouble throughout, with starter JT Blackwood and relievers Morris and Banks combining to strand Bulldog runners. Samford’s staff was equally effective early, with Will Andre providing two scoreless innings of relief, but the one costly inning proved decisive.

Alabama next hosts Alabama State on Wednesday, while Samford travels to face Georgia in a three-game series starting Friday.