Alabama bounces back against Indians

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- After Saturday's thrilling comeback victory over Alabama to open the baseball season, Southeast Missouri State University could not duplicate that performance Sunday as the Crimson Tide romped 16-1.

Southeast (1-1) and Alabama (4-2) will conclude their three-game series today. The Indians will look to hand the Tide their first non-conference series loss under eighth-year coach Jim Wells.

"This game got out of hand so early, but game one was a big win for us and we're looking forward to the opportunity to take the series," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said.

The Indians fell into an early hole Sunday as Alabama jumped on top 5-0 after three innings. Beau Hearod's grand slam in the fourth -- his second home run of the series and fourth of the season -- made it 9-0 and the rout was on.

Trailing 9-0, Southeast got its lone run in the sixth as Zach Borowiak delivered an RBI double.

Brent Carter pitched all nine innings and limited the Indians to five hits. He struck out nine and walked one.

"Carter threw great," Hogan said.

Alabama had 15 hits off three Southeast pitchers. Junior-college transfer Jon Nourie started and took the loss, allowing five runs in 2 2/3 innings.

Juco transfer Ryan Forsyth gave up seven runs in 3 1/3 innings and freshman Brad Bumpus allowed four runs in two innings.

Big Saturday comeback

Southeast saw Alabama jump on top 5-0 in the first inning but rallied for an 8-7 victory in the Indians' season opener. Alabama saw its 23-game home winning streak in non-conference regular-season games end.

The Indians trailed 7-2 after two innings but then held the Tide off the board the rest of the way.

Southeast scored four runs in the sixth, the key blow being a two-run triple by Brian Hopkins.

In the eighth, Southeast went ahead for good as Auburn transfer Justin Christian hit a two-out, inside-the-park home run that scored he and Seth Moulton.

Hopkins had three of Southeast's eight hits, and he delivered three RBIs. Moulton, a juco transfer, added two hits.

Donnie Fuller started and allowed nine of Alabama's 10 hits along with all seven runs, but held the Tide scoreless from the third through fifth innings.

Juco transfer Stan Skakalski hurled 1 2/3 innings, allowing one hit and striking out three. Tim Alvarez got the win, fanning four in 2 1/3 hitless innings.

"It showed a lot about our guys to battle back against a team like Alabama," Hogan said