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Alabama freshman Brady Neal had a monster day at the plate, recording seven RBIs to lead the Crimson Tide to a 14-7 win over Florida and a series sweep of the Gators. The victory comes after Alabama had struggled to start SEC play, getting swept by Kentucky and dropping a game to South Alabama. But this weekend, the Tide bounced back in a big way, capped off by Neal’s big performance on Sunday.

Why it matters

This series sweep of Florida is a significant accomplishment for Alabama, as the Gators had just three losses on the season and boasted two of the best pitchers in the country. The Crimson Tide’s ability to rebound after their early struggles in SEC play shows the team’s resilience and potential to be a factor in the conference race going forward.

The details

Alabama freshman Myles Upchurch struggled early, allowing four runs in the first inning before being pulled. But the Tide bullpen was fresh after strong outings from the starters on Friday and Saturday, and they were able to keep Florida in check the rest of the way. Alabama’s bats then came alive, with Justin Lebron and Will Plattner hitting two-run homers to tie the game in the fifth and sixth innings. Then in the seventh, Brady Neal broke the game open with a no-doubt three-run homer, part of a seven-RBI day for the freshman.

Alabama freshman Myles Upchurch allowed four runs in the first inning on Sunday.Justin Lebron hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning to get Alabama on the board.Will Plattner hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning to tie the game for Alabama.Brady Neal hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning to give Alabama a 9-4 lead.Brady Neal recorded seven RBIs on the day to power Alabama to the 14-7 victory.

The players

Brady Neal

An Alabama freshman who had a monster day at the plate, recording seven RBIs to lead the Crimson Tide to the 14-7 win over Florida.

Justin Lebron

An Alabama player who hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning to get the Crimson Tide on the board.

Will Plattner

An Alabama player who hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning to tie the game for the Crimson Tide.

Myles Upchurch

An Alabama freshman pitcher who struggled early, allowing four runs in the first inning before being pulled.

Karson Bowen

A Florida player who hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning to drive in a run for the Gators.

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What’s next

Alabama will look to carry the momentum from this series sweep into next weekend’s matchup against an elite Auburn squad.

The takeaway

Brady Neal’s monster performance at the plate was the key to Alabama’s series sweep of Florida, a significant accomplishment that shows the Crimson Tide’s potential to be a factor in the SEC race after early struggles.