Despite some tough losses already during their 2017 season, the ULM baseball team showed up on Friday to compete against the University of Alabama with an early push for offense, but later would fall by a final score of 4-3.

The Warhawks jumped out to an early three run lead in the first two innings but the Crimson Tide came back later in the seventh inning, tying the game to set them up for a dramatic finish in the ninth.

Senior infielder, Nathan Reynolds led the Warhawks on offense as he singled and later scored off of an RBI base hit by Turner Francis. In the next inning, the Warhawks continued their offensive push against the SEC squad.

Blake Buckman had a two run double to left center field which helped set up two other Warhawk scores. This would give ULM a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth inning.

The ULM pitching staff was able to hold off the Crimson Tide until late in the innings as they posted five strikeouts and only one walk.

Starting pitcher Josh Leon led the way when he pitched six innings, five hits and only three runs.

Leon faced a total of 23 batters and was able to move the game along, forcing outs along with his strikeouts he recorded during the contest.

The Crimson Tide were able to find the late game heroics in the bottom of the ninth inning when Hunter Alexander hit a walk-off single up the middle to score the runner from third and take the game by a final score of 4-3.

ULM relief pitcher, Kyle Backofen, would be handed the loss in the game after coming in and providing one and two-third innings of relief.

After their series with Alabama, the Warhawks will then travel to face their next SEC opponent, Arkansas, before coming later this month on March 15th to face Jackson State at Warhawk Field.

First pitch will be set for 6 p.m. next Wednesday night.