Alabama's Rob Vaughn Earns 100th Win, Tide Rout Samford 16-2

Freshman Eric Hines led the offensive onslaught with a 3-for-3 performance, including a home run, as Alabama cruised to a run-rule victory.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:41am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, energetic brushstrokes in neon shades of red, orange, and blue, conveying the intensity and excitement of a college baseball game.Alabama's offensive eruption and coach Rob Vaughn's milestone 100th win are captured in a dynamic, colorful illustration.Tuscaloosa Today

The 8th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Samford Bulldogs 16-2 in seven innings on Tuesday night. Head coach Rob Vaughn earned his 100th win at Alabama, becoming the fastest coach in Tide history to reach that milestone. Freshman Eric Hines had a standout game, going 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs to lead the offensive outburst.

Why it matters

This dominant midweek performance comes at an important time for Alabama, as they prepare to host the always-dangerous Arkansas Razorbacks this weekend in a crucial SEC series. The Tide's young lineup provided a spark, with freshmen Eric Hines and Chase Kroeberger making key contributions, potentially earning more playing time going forward.

The details

Alabama jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back, piling on four-run frames in the third, fifth, and sixth innings. Hines led the way with his 3-for-3 day, including a home run, while Jason Torres, Luke Vaughn, and Chase Kroeberger also homered for the Tide. Starting pitcher JT Blackwood earned the win, going 4.2 innings and allowing two runs.

  • Alabama improved to 26-8 with their 18th straight home win.
  • Vaughn joined legendary coach Jim Wells as the only Alabama coaches to win 100 games in three seasons or less.
  • The series finale against Arkansas is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The players

Rob Vaughn

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team, who earned his 100th win at Alabama faster than any coach in Tide history, needing only 150 games to do so.

Eric Hines

A freshman designated hitter for Alabama, who went 3-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs, and three runs scored in the win over Samford.

Chase Kroeberger

A freshman left fielder for Alabama, who hit a home run and walked twice, scoring two runs and driving in two in the victory.

JT Blackwood

The senior right-handed starting pitcher for Alabama, who earned the win by allowing two runs over 4.2 innings.

Jason Torres

A player for Alabama, who went 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored, and two RBIs.

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What they’re saying

“This was the best midweek performance by the Tide in all aspects. The 'Young Pups' as Vaughn calls them pumped some life into the lineup that had gone stale after the first two innings of the Oklahoma series on last Thursday night.”

— Roger Myers, Author

What’s next

Alabama welcomes the Arkansas Razorbacks to Tuscaloosa this weekend for a crucial three-game SEC series. Friday's game one is at 6 p.m., Saturday's game is at 4 p.m., and the series finale is at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The takeaway

Rob Vaughn's 100th win at Alabama showcases the program's continued success, while the breakout performances of freshmen like Eric Hines and Chase Kroeberger provide optimism for the Tide's future as they prepare to host a top SEC opponent in Arkansas.