Jason Jackson, Alabama players excited for the opportunity to play Wake Forest in Super Regional

For the first time since 2010, Alabama baseball finds itself playing in a Super Regional. Making it all the way to Omaha would be an incredible accomplishment, especially under interim head coach Jason Jackson. But the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament stands in their way, with Wake Forest hosting in Winston-Salem.

Taking two out of three from the Demon Deacons would result in Alabama’s first College World Series appearance since 1999, ending a nearly 25-year drought. Star pitcher Garrett McMillan says everyone is excited about the opportunity, especially going up against the No. 1 team in the country.

“I’d say it’s a big opportunity to go to college College World Series at any point,” McMillan said. “But to be playing the No. 1 team, it kind of sets you up when you get there to make a good run at it as well.

“Once you’re there, it’s just playing a game. Just competing every pitch and battling with them until the end. We’ll just play our best game, see who comes out on top.”

Some teams might be intimidated by facing the No. 1 overall seed on the road. Alabama has been there before when going through SEC play. Traveling to Baton Rouge this season saw LSU atop the rankings as has others throughout the years.

McMillan says the team will not be scared when stepping onto the diamond on Saturday. The goal for Alabama will to be go out there, play their game, and results will hopefully follow them.

“We’ve had to go on the road and play the No. 1 team two or three times this year already,” McMillan said. “It’s not going to be anything we haven’t done before. It’s going to be something we’re ready for, something we’re excited for. I think we’ll go out there, play our best games and I think we’ll be happy with our results at the end of it.”

Both Alabama and Wake Forest went 3-0 in the respective regionals but the No. 1 team looked like the No. 1 team. An average of 16 runs per game were scored by the Demon Deacons, continuing their offensive explosion.

Pitchers, such as McMillan, will be having to play some of their best baseball in order to advance. At the very least, there will be no fear coming from the Alabama dugout. Being ready to play will be part of the battle.