No. 19 Alabama handled its business in Friday's series opener, defeating South Carolina 8-3 as the penultimate weekend of the regular season begins.

The Crimson Tide used a big second inning, scoring four runs with two home runs to jump on the Gamecocks early. Luke Vaughn got the party started with a solo home run and Justin Lebron kept it going by launching a three-run shot over the left field wall for his fourth home run in conference play this season.

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 9, 2026

Tyler Fay continued his strong season for the Crimson Tide, handling seven innings of action by striking out 10 Gamecock batters and only allowing one run off two hits and two walks.…