LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama will have four chances this weekend to pick up its first win of the 2022 season. The Tigers open Tartt Field for a five-game match-up, hosting Emmanuel College and Carson-Newman University in action that will span three days beginning Friday, Feb. 11.
UWA (0-5) enter the weekend competition after falling 12-11 at Arkansas – Monticello on Tuesday afternoon. Several positives came from the game at Weevil Field. The Tigers outhit UAM 15-7 with five starters connecting two or more times. UWA's ultimate downfall was pitching miscues in the bottom of the last inning, allowing the Weevils to come from behind to victory.
Junior infielder Josh Bower leads the Tigers in hitting. The Headland, Ala. native, has played and started in the opening five games for a .444 batting average. Bower has recorded 18 at-bats with two runs, eight hits (two doubles), and two RBIs for a .556 slugging percentage.
All-Gulf South Conference Preseason Team honoree Jake Nemith carries the Tigers in scoring with a team-high six RBIs and ties Christian Connor for a team-high four runs. The Pace, Fla. native, brings a .333 batting average with 21 at-bats, seven hits (one double and one home run) for a .524 slugging percentage.
West Alabama is still navigating the pitching landscape, just a week into the season. Over the five games, 13 Tigers have taken the mound. Thomas Boothe has started two games for 4.1 innings pitched, a 6.23 ERA, five hits against, five runs (three earned), five walks, and eight strikeouts. Batters saw a .294 batting average against him.
Peyton Warren has pitched the most innings for UWA. The Bentwood, Tenn. native has made two appearances, with one start for 7.0 inning pitched. He holds a 6.43 ERA with 12 hits against, seven runs (five earned runs), two walks, and five strikeouts. Opponents carry a .324 batting average against him.
Weekend Schedule
West Alabama vs. Emmanuel | Friday, Feb. 11 | Noon
West Alabama vs. Carson-Newman | Friday, Feb. 11 | 3:00 p.m.
Emmanuel vs. Carson-Newman | Saturday, Feb. 12 | 12:00 p.m.
West Alabama vs. Carson-Newman | Saturday, Feb. 12 | 3:00 p.m.
West Alabama vs. Emmanuel | Sunday, Feb. 13 | Noon.
Emmanuel College (2-4) comes to Tartt Field after falling 11-1 to GSC-opponent West Georgia on Tuesday, Feb. 8. Against the Wolves, Emmanuel scored first but was outhit 16-5 to lose the game.
Cody Minnis leads the Lions with a .333 batting average with six hits (one double), three runs, and two RBIs. Judd Roberts has a team-high of three RBIs, and Luke Patty ties Minnis to lead the team in hits with six. Ryan Smith has pitched the most innings with 5.2 IP for a 6.3 ERA, eight hits against, four earned runs, one walk, and two strikeouts.
Carson-Newman (4-1) is coming off its only season loss to GSC-opponent Lee University, 11-9. The Eagles were on equal footing with the Flames, tying Lee in hits with 13 and errors with one.
Jordan Griffin holds a .545 batting average, playing in four games with three starts. Micah Center leads the team with nine hits (three doubles) and five RBIs.
All five games will be streamed live on the UWA Athletics YouTube page with live stats on the UWA Athletics website. Friday and Sunday's games will be broadcast live on SLY104.9.
To stay connected with the UWA baseball team, follow @UWA_baseball on Twitter. General athletic news, along with game recaps and box scores, can be found at uwaathletics.com. Additional updates and information are available @UWAAthletics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
