March 19, 2003

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - - Adam Pavkovich and Al Hecklinski each hit home runs in the top of the sixth and No. 14 Alabama rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Samford, 3-2, at Joe Lee Griffin Field before a sellout crowd of 1,256 Wednesday night. The Crimson Tide ran their record to 17-3 while Samford fell to 5-16.

Seth Johnson (3-0) picked up the win in relief allowing one hit in three innings while striking out three. Ehren Wassermann (1-5) took the loss for Samford allowing three runs on four hits in three innings of work. Brian Reed picked up his sixth save of the season. Reed pitched 1 2/3 innings recording one strikeout.

Samford struck out a season-high 13 batters which was also a season-high for Alabama's offense. Freshman right-hander Stephen Artz, who got the start, stymied the Crimson Tide early. Artz gave up one hit and struck out six in the first three innings.

The Bulldogs took the early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Joe Denson reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second when Woodward walked Matt Alling. Sae Evans doubled down the left field line scoring Denson for a 1-0 Bulldog lead. Woodward walked Robert Evans to load the bases. Seth Johnson relieved Woodward and walked Justin Klinger scoring Alling. Johnson struck out Kip Snowden to get out of the jam.

A sellout crowd of 1,256 watch the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide.

Alabama rallied in the top of the sixth. Pavkovich fell behind 1-2 in the count before belting his seventh home run of the season cutting the deficit to 2-1. Zac Welch then singled up the middle bringing the go-ahead run to the plate. With two strikes, Hecklinski delivered a two-run bomb to left center putting Alabama ahead 3-2.

Charlie Lyons led the Crimson Tide going 3-for-4 at the plate. Hecklinski finished 1-for-3 with one run scored and two RBI while Pavkovich went 1-for-4 with one RBI. Robert Evans, Eric Hollis, Sae Evans and Richard Bishop each had one hit for Samford.

Samford returns to action this weekend when it hosts Atlantic Sun defending champions UCF for a three-game conference series. Friday's game is scheduled for 6 p.m. while Saturday's doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m.