But Tech put up five runs in 5 2/3 innings on Nelson (8-4) and should have had more if not for some bad breaks and bad base-running.

From there, McGuire (9-4) and Andrew Robinson (eight saves) combined to shut down the Tide, who had won nine of their previous 10 games.

"McGuire hit a second gear late when they got the lead and didn't let us get into an offensive rhythm," Alabama coach Mitch Gaspard said.

Despite needing just three pitchers to win the first two games, Hall said the team isn't done.

"Our goal is to win three," Hall said, "we haven't finished the job yet."

Atlanta regional

Where: Russ Chandler Stadium

TV: CSS

Sunday

3 p.m.: Mercer (38-23) vs. Alabama (38-23) ; loser eliminated

7 p.m.: Georgia Tech (47-13)  vs. Alabama-Mercer winner

Monday

7 p.m.: if necessary

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Houston County High School football players take the field for a region game against Coffee High School on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. This season, Houston County has outscored its opponents by an average of 26.9 points per game. (Courtesy of hocofootball.com)

Credit: HOCOFootball.com

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(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero | Sources: Hyosub Shin for AJC, Unsplash)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC