Opening Baseball Series Pushed to Saturday

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama's season-opening baseball series at No. 20 West Florida has been postponed a day due to expected inclement weather in Pensacola, Florida on Friday.

The Tigers and Argonauts are now scheduled to open the three-game series with a single game Saturday at 6 p.m. at Jim Spooner Field, followed by a Sunday doubleheader at 1 p.m.

Saturday's game will be the 54^th in the long-running series between UWA and UWF. The Argos hold a 31-22 series advantage.

West Alabama finished the pandemic-shortened 2020 season with a 9-11 record, 1-8 in GSC play. West Florida was 14-8 and 9-3.

"It's been a long time since we played a game that counted, so it goes without saying that we are excited to get going," UWA head coach Gary Rundles said. "The schedule doesn't do us any favors early, opening with six games against two of the top teams in the league.

"You have to play them sometime, so we might as well get after it right from the start," Rundles said. "I believe we have a team that is capable of competing for a championship, so the opportunity to play one of the top programs in the league right off the bat is a challenge we are ready to accept."

UWF returns eight starters and was picked as preseason favorites to win the league in 2021 by league coaches. Ryan Brewer (0-1, 3.38) and Hunter Lucas (1-1, 1.86) return to give UWF experienced weekend starting pitchers.

Infielder Connor Christian, who led the team in hitting with a .315 batting average, is one of five everyday players coming back for UWA, plus starting pitchers Peyton Warren (4-2, 1.80), Mason Hollander (2-1, 2.15) and Connor Brooks (1-1, 4.91).

The Argonauts took two of three games from UWA last February, with the Tigers winning the opener, 3-2, and UWF taking the next two games, 6-3 and 15-0.

According to goargos.com, in an effort slow the spread of COVID-19, UWF will limit attendance for the 2021 home baseball season to immediate family members of UWF student-athletes and coaches. Visiting teams are permitted a limited pre-approved guest pass list. Face coverings and at least six feet of social distancing will be required by spectators and staff.

All three games are scheduled to be broadcast on SLY 104.9. Airtime is 10 minutes prior to first pitch. Live stats will be available at https://bit.ly/3rq87XX.

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Players Mentioned

#4 Connor Christian: 2B; 6' 0"; Junior; R/R

#24 Peyton Warren: RHP; 6' 1"; Junior; R/R

#21 Mason Hollander: RHP; 6' 0"; Junior; R/R

#31 Connor Brooks: RHP; 6' 3"; Junior; R/R

Players Mentioned

#4 Connor Christian
: 6' 0"; Junior; R/R
: 2B

#24 Peyton Warren
: 6' 1"; Junior; R/R
: RHP

#21 Mason Hollander
: 6' 0"; Junior; R/R
: RHP

#31 Connor Brooks
: 6' 3"; Junior; R/R
: RHP