No. 19 Alabama handled its business in Friday's series opener, defeating South Carolina 8-3 as the penultimate weekend of the regular season begins. The Crimson Tide used a big second inning, scoring four runs with two home runs to jump on the Gamecocks early. Luke Vaughn got the party started with a solo home run and Justin Lebron kept it going by launching a three-run shot over the left field wall for his fourth home run in conference play this season. — MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 9, 2026 Tyler Fay continued his strong season for the Crimson Tide, handling seven innings of action by striking out 10 Gamecock batters and only allowing one run off two hits and two walks. Talmadge LeCroy opened the fourth inning with a double for South Carolina and KJ Scobey's single got the home team on the scoreboard, but Fay recomposed himself and followed up with three scoreless innings before handing the ball to Sam Mitchell for the final two innings.…