BASEBALL: Notes from Hoover

[Chase Parham]

I talked to Connor Cloyd today, and he said had the game been today he thinks he could have played. The oblique is certainly getting better, but it does tighten up on him from time to time. He's optimistic he'll be back as early as tomorrow. it depends on how he swings in pregame. The bat is the sticking point.

The players unanimously said they are here so might as well stick around for a while.

Sikes Orvis said the ball carries much better here than in Omaha. He and Bortles tried to hit some balls out during batting practice and were successful. The wind was blowing slightly out. He wasn't surprised he didn't make an all-league team -- citing his struggles early in the year and his batting average.

Mike Bianco and Scott Weathersby weren't at practice. They are driving to Hoover from the Ferriss Trophy thing from Jackson. They drove because Mike will take a car to Pearl to watch his sons play in the state title series if Ole Miss' schedule allows.

Alabama will start Geoffrey Bramblett tomorrow. He allowed three runs in seven innings against Ole Miss this season, as the Tide won the series finale to salvage a game. Alabama knows it must win the tourney for an NCAA Regional berth.