Alabama Baseball Rebounds for 5–2 Win at Vanderbilt Behind Riley Quick’s Career-Best Performance
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the No. 18 Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team secured a crucial 5–2 victory over No. 15 Vanderbilt at Hawkins Field in Nashville, Tennessee. The win not only evened the weekend series at 1–1 but also showcased a dominant pitching performance by sophomore right-hander Riley Quick.
Riley Quick’s Career-Best Start
Riley Quick delivered a masterful outing, setting new career highs in both innings pitched and strikeouts. The Hoover, Alabama native tossed 7.0 innings, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out eight Commodores. His performance was instrumental in keeping Vanderbilt’s potent offense at bay, particularly after the Commodores had scored 12 runs in the series opener on Friday.
Head coach Rob Vaughn praised Quick’s resilience and composure, noting, “Riley was outstanding tonight. He kept the ball down, mixed his pitches effectively, and gave us exactly what we needed to stay in the game.”
Offensive Support for Quick
While Quick dominated on the mound, the Crimson Tide offense provided timely support. Alabama struck first in the top of the second inning, plating two runs. Junior outfielder Will Hodo led off with a single, advanced to second on a groundout, and scored on a double by sophomore infielder Kade Snell. Snell later crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly by freshman catcher Will Plattner.
The Tide added another run in the fourth inning when Snell singled, advanced to third on a double by Plattner, and scored on a wild pitch. Vanderbilt responded with a run in the bottom of the fourth, narrowing the lead to 3–1.
Alabama extended its advantage in the sixth inning. With one out, sophomore infielder Justin Lebron singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He scored on a single by senior outfielder Bryce Fowler, pushing the lead to 4–1.
The Commodores again cut into the lead with a run in the bottom of the sixth, but Alabama answered in the top of the seventh. With two outs, freshman infielder Jason Torres walked, advanced to second on a single by Hodo, and scored on a double by Snell, providing the final margin of 5–2.
Bullpen Holds Lead
After Quick’s stellar start, the bullpen maintained the lead. Senior closer Dylan Ozmer entered in the eighth inning and retired the side in order, earning his 14th save of the season. Ozmer’s efficient performance ensured that the Commodores would not mount a late comeback.
Looking Ahead
With the series tied at 1–1, the rubber match is scheduled for Sunday, May 4, at 1:00 p.m. CT. Alabama will look to clinch the series win and build momentum as they approach the postseason. The Crimson Tide’s pitching staff, led by Quick’s dominant performance, has shown depth and resilience throughout the season, positioning them as a formidable contender in the SEC and beyond.
As the season progresses, Alabama’s ability to execute in all facets of the game will be crucial. The team’s pitching staff, bolstered by Quick’s emergence as a reliable starter, provides a strong foundation. Offensively, the Tide has demonstrated the ability to generate runs through timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. Defensively, Alabama has been solid, minimizing errors and making key plays when needed.
Riley Quick’s career-best performance against Vanderbilt was a testament to his development and the coaching staff’s emphasis on pitching excellence. With a balanced and cohesive team effort, Alabama is poised to make a deep run in the postseason, aiming to add to its storied baseball program’s legacy.
