Alabama
Florida
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (03/21/2026) — The Alabama Crimson Tide erased an early four-run deficit with a stunning mid-game offensive surge, powering past the Florida Gators for a 14-7 victory Saturday at Sewell-Thomas Stadium to open the weekend series.
After falling behind 4-0, Alabama unleashed a 14-run onslaught across the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, highlighted by a grand slam and a seven-RBI performance from catcher Brady Neal, to seize control of the contest.
How It Happened
Florida established command early, building a lead through opportunistic offense. In the first inning, Cade Kurland scored on a throwing error before Karson Bowen and Ethan Surowiec came home on a bases-loaded walk and a hit-by-pitch, respectively, staking the Gators to a 3-0 advantage. Florida extended its lead in the fourth when Kyle Jones scored on a sacrifice fly from Bowen, pushing the score to 4-0.
Alabama's bats awoke in the bottom of the fifth. Justin Lebron ignited the comeback with a two-run homer to left field, cutting the Florida lead in half and making it a 4-2 ballgame.
The Crimson Tide's offense truly erupted in the sixth inning. A two-run home run by Gage Plattner tied the game at four. Alabama then took its first lead of the day when a wild pitch allowed a run to score. With the bases loaded, Brady Neal delivered the decisive blow: a towering grand slam to left field that blew the game open and put the Crimson Tide ahead 9-4.
Florida refused to go quietly, mounting a rally in the top of the seventh. A two-run homer from Blake Cyr and an RBI single from Landon Strayer quickly tightened the game to 9-7. But Alabama had an immediate and emphatic answer in the bottom of the frame. The Crimson Tide reloaded the bases and scored on a walk, an RBI single from Bryce Fowler, and a bases-clearing, three-RBI double from Neal, pushing the lead to 14-7 and putting the game out of reach for good.
Turning Point
The bottom of the sixth inning completely altered the trajectory of the game. Trailing 4-2, Alabama tied the game on Plattner's home run. But the true shift came with two outs and the bases loaded when Brady Neal launched his grand slam. The hit transformed a tie game into a commanding five-run lead, seizing all momentum for the Crimson Tide and capping a seven-run inning that Florida could not overcome.
Star of the Game
Brady Neal, C, Alabama Crimson Tide
Neal was the undisputed catalyst for Alabama's victory. The catcher was responsible for seven of the team's 14 runs in just two at-bats. His go-ahead grand slam in the sixth inning broke the game open, and his three-RBI double in the seventh provided the final insurance runs. His clutch hitting with runners in scoring position was the difference in the game.
What It Means
For the Alabama Crimson Tide, this is a significant series-opening win that demonstrates the lineup's explosive potential and resilience. Overcoming a 4-0 deficit against a quality SEC opponent provides a major confidence boost and sets a positive tone for the remainder of the weekend.
For the Florida Gators, it's a difficult loss after a promising start. The inability to hold a multi-run lead on the road is a point of concern. The Gators' offense showed its capability to score, but the bullpen was unable to contain the Crimson Tide's relentless offensive pressure in the middle innings. Florida will need a strong response in the next game to even the series.