Alabama Stunned by Washington State in Baseball Season Opener

Crimson Tide fall 8-4 to unranked Cougars in major upset

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Alabama baseball team, ranked highly in the preseason, suffered a surprising 8-4 loss to unranked Washington State in their season opener at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The Cougars jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, as Alabama's pitching struggled and the team left 11 runners on base.

Why it matters

Alabama was expected to be one of the top teams in college baseball this season, so this loss to an unranked opponent is a major upset that raises questions about the Crimson Tide's readiness and ability to live up to the preseason hype.

The details

Washington State scored two runs in the first inning and added five more over the next few frames, while Alabama's pitchers were unable to contain the Cougars' offense. The Crimson Tide had opportunities to get back in the game, loading the bases in the fifth inning, but failed to capitalize, going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and two outs.

  • The game was played on Opening Day of the 2026 NCAA Baseball season.

The players

Rob Vaughn

The head coach of the Alabama baseball team.

Tyler Fay

The starting pitcher for Alabama, who gave up five earned runs in 3.2 innings.

JT Blackwood

An Alabama relief pitcher who allowed an earned run.

Austin Morris

An Alabama relief pitcher who allowed an earned run.

Zane Adams

The scheduled starting pitcher for Alabama in the next game of the series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I didn't think we played soft, I thought they just got bigger hits than we did.”

— Rob Vaughn, Alabama head coach (si.com)

“We threw a lot of jabs tonight and couldn't throw a haymaker. We just got beaten in the zone too much... Sometimes you wake up, and you lose. We did not do enough things right tonight.”

— Rob Vaughn, Alabama head coach (si.com)

“That was the difference in this game. We were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and two outs. We were 1-for-3 with a runner on third and less than two outs... they were better.”

— Rob Vaughn, Alabama head coach (si.com)

What’s next

Zane Adams is scheduled to take the mound for Alabama on Saturday as the team looks to even the series, with the possibility of a doubleheader due to anticipated rain on Sunday.

The takeaway

This stunning opening-day loss to an unranked opponent raises serious questions about Alabama's readiness and ability to live up to the high preseason expectations, putting pressure on the team to bounce back quickly and show they can compete with the nation's best.