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
