Alabama's Zane Adams Shines in Season Debut

The junior left-hander struck out nine batters across five shutout innings in Alabama's 8-1 win over Washington State.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Zane Adams, a junior left-handed pitcher for the University of Alabama, had an impressive season debut, throwing five scoreless innings and striking out nine batters in the Crimson Tide's 8-1 win over Washington State. Adams, who passed up on the MLB draft last summer to return to Alabama, showed increased velocity, topping out at 96 mph, and added a new slider to his repertoire. The junior says he is playing with a newfound confidence and focus after struggling with efficiency issues last season.

Why it matters

Adams' strong outing is an encouraging sign for Alabama, as he is expected to be a key part of the team's starting rotation and a leader on the mound this season. His decision to return to school rather than turn pro could pay dividends for the Crimson Tide, who have high aspirations this spring.

The details

Adams struck out the side in the second inning and did not walk a batter, throwing 56 of his 79 pitches for strikes. He set the tone early, retiring the first batter he faced and then striking out five in a row. The junior left-hander says he has adopted a more aggressive mindset, no longer trying to be "perfect" and instead just attacking hitters with his four-pitch mix.

  • Adams made his season debut on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Last season, Adams took over as a weekend starter for Alabama halfway through his freshman year in 2024.

The players

Zane Adams

A junior left-handed pitcher for the University of Alabama who passed up on the MLB draft last summer to return to school. He had an impressive season debut, throwing five shutout innings and striking out nine batters.

Rob Vaughn

The head coach of the University of Alabama baseball team, who praised Adams' performance and noted the difference in his confidence and approach this season compared to last year.

Brady Neal

An Alabama teammate of Zane Adams who has faced him in practice and believes the junior left-hander is one of the top lefties he has ever faced.

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What they’re saying

“He just executed pitches. Zane was up to 95-96 (mph) today. Didn't put guys on for free, a lot of punchouts, a lot of weak contact.”

— Rob Vaughn, Head Coach (si.com)

“Last year, I think I felt the pressure a little bit, and I tried to be perfect all the time. We looked back, and I was like one of the least efficient pitchers. I probably threw the most shadow zone balls you've ever seen out of any pitcher. I told JJ this week that if they hit it, they hit it, but I'm not going out there and trying to spot up a fastball away. I'm going out there, just throwing my fastball at them, and if they hit it, they hit it. That's been a big mindset difference for me.”

— Zane Adams (si.com)

“He's got a quiet confidence. He's going to get on somebody when he needs to, but for the most part, he leads by example. It's good for Myles Upchurch to see Zane Adams come in day in and day out and not be late, be on time. Just little things like that. It makes Myles more comfortable to be like, 'Hey Zane' go ask a question, how do you grip your slider, this and that, it just creates a better culture.”

— Brady Neal, Teammate (si.com)

What’s next

Adams and the Crimson Tide will look to build on this strong start as they continue their season. Their next game is scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2026 against a regional opponent.

The takeaway

Zane Adams' dominant season debut suggests he is primed for a breakout year, which could be crucial for an Alabama team with high expectations. His newfound confidence and improved stuff could make him one of the top left-handed pitchers in college baseball this spring.