LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama drew a split on Saturday with the nation's top-ranked team at Tartt Field, winning the day's first game over No. 1 West Florida by a 6-1 score before falling 4-2 in the nightcap. The Tigers move to 19-21 (5-14 Gulf South Conference) while the Argos now sit at 41-6 (16-3 GSC).

It was an impressive start from Jeb Huber (6-3) that keyed the UWA triumph as the southpaw nearly tossed his first complete game of the season.

The Ponchatoula, La., native lasted two outs into the top of the ninth as he scattered just three hits and allowed only one run. While he did walk five, he struck out nine West Florida batters – an impressive feat considering the offensive prowess of the Argos.

The nine Ks matches the team's season high, a mark that Huber set against Valdosta State on April 2.

With the tying run on deck in the final frame, Brian Burgess (5) needed just two pitches to record the final out and the 30th save of his illustrious career as UWA's closer.

The offensive attack for the Tigers in the victory was a balanced one as all nine men in Head Coach Gary Rundles' lineup recorded a hit, and Brian Simone joined Jay Jennings in notching a pair. Simone also recorded a pair of RBI as did Kevin Deese, while Colin McKeen and Tyler Shaw knocked in the other two Tiger tallies.

Ladarrius Cole and Jennings both crossed the plate twice in the win, and Simone and Deon Williams accounted for the other two runs.

The performance enabled the squad to give talented UWF starter Jason Postill (11-1) his first blemish of the year.

In the nightcap, UWA faced Ben Hawkins (10-1) who threw a no-hitter against the squad in the previous series between the two teams.

On Saturday, the Tigers got to him for five hits – including a two-run home run from Micah Reaves that knotted the game at two – but it would not be enough.

After Reaves had belted his fifth long ball of the season in the fourth, UWF's offensive leader Greg Pron sent a no-doubter over the wall in left in the top of the fifth off of West Alabama starter Barry Meeks (3-6) to put the visitors on top 4-2.

Meeks pitched solidly, keeping the Tigers in the contest by giving up six hits in his six innings of work, and the righty struck out six while walking just two.

Shane Waller (9) pitched the final two innings for West Florida to ensure the victory.

The two teams will square off in the rubber match on Sunday at 1 p.m. UWA's eight seniors will be recognized prior to the game, their final one at Tartt Field.