NASHVILLE: One batter too late

By Chris Lee - April 07, 2007

Alabama's Bernard Robert has pitched very well with the exception of the back-to-back bombs in the third. But Robert looked like he was tiring in the sixth, as he struggled to find the strike zone, prompting a long visit from coach Jim Wells.

The 'Tide appeared to have an arm or two ready to go in the bullpen as the Commodores had men on first and second with two outs during Wells' visit. Either Wells changed his mind or was talked out of pulling Hunter, as he jogged back to the dugout, and at that point, catcher Ryan Rhoden took it upon himself to take a visit to the mound just as time was called back in.

In any event, the delay tactics didn't work, and in hindsight Wells shoudl have stuck to his guns. Matt Meingasner lined a sharp single to left, plating a run and leaving runners on first and second.

Sidearmer Josh Copeland entered facing No. 9 hitter Brad French, who smashed a ball the opposite way to first baseman Matt Bentley, who made a diving stop going to his left and saving two runs.

Just after Alabama had cut the margin to one, it's now 4-2 Vandy, heading to the top of the seventh.