AfriPulse
St. John’s journey to the Super Regionals, a stage they hadn’t reached in 14 years, got off to a rocky start.
After a stunning victory over the No. 10 seed Florida State the previous weekend, the Johnnies faced a formidable challenge against Alabama. They struggled to make a mark against Alabama’s formidable pitcher, Tyler Fay, while their own ace, Liam O’Leary, faltered significantly.
This combination led to a disappointing 8-0 loss against the seventh-seeded Crimson Tide at Sewell-Thomas Stadium on Saturday night.
To keep their dreams of reaching the College World Series alive for the first time since 1980, St. John’s now faces the daunting task of winning the next two games.
St. John’s is pictured during a game in April 2026. NurPhoto via Getty Images
This uphill battle is made even more challenging by the impressive form of Alabama, which boasts a perfect 4-0 record in the NCAA Tournament and a dominant 24-6 tally on their home turf.
The Red Storm are making their first appearance in the Super Regionals since 2012.
Their run to the NCAA Tournament marked their second trip in three years to the postseason after a six-year drought.
Fay limited St. John’s (35-25) to two hits over 7 ¹/₃ innings.
He struck out nine and walked three.
The Red Storm’s best chance against Fay came in the seventh.
Shaun McMillan is pictured during an April 2026 game for St. John’s. NurPhoto via Getty Images
They loaded the bases with none out, but Fay retired the next three batters in order, ending the threat.
O’Leary, meanwhile, lasted only 3 ¹/₃ frames.
He fell apart in the fourth, walking four hitters and forcing in two runs.
Justin Lebron, Alabama’s superstar shortstop and a projected top 20 draft pick, had three hits and two RBIs for the Crimson Tide (41-19).
The setback snapped the Johnnies’ eight-game winning streak and marked their fifth shutout of the season.
Southpaw Evan Chaffee, an Alabama transfer, is expected to get the start Sunday afternoon as St. John’s hopes to keep its season alive.
Source: NewsFinale | Read the Full Story…
