LIVINGSTON, Ala. – A six-run third inning propelled West Alabama to a commanding 13-6 win over Columbus State on Saturday at Tartt Field, splitting the season-opening series.  

"The team did a great job to bounce back with a win today," said head coach Eric DuBose. "We put ourselves in a 5-0 hole, but to the credit of the guys, they stayed the course and answered the call."

After falling behind 5-0 in the first inning, the Tigers responded in the third when Eli Burwash doubled home Bryce Newman to ignite the offense. RBI hits from Joe Watkins, Blake Vineyard, and Bryce Newman, along with a sacrifice fly by Colson Thompson fueled the six-run surge, putting UWA ahead 6-5.  

Columbus State briefly tied the game in the fourth, but UWA reclaimed control in the bottom half with a two-run homer from Nick Thibodeau. Newman extended the lead with a solo home run in the fifth before Jake Goolsby crushed a two-run shot in the eighth. Nick Wilson capped the offensive explosion with a two-RBI single to make it 13-6.  

West Alabama's pitching settled in after the rocky start, with Jacob Marshall (1-0) earning the win after two innings of relief, allowing just one run. Jack Hoppenjans closed the door with three scoreless frames to secure the save.

The Tigers outhit the Cougars 15-11, with Newman leading the way, going 3-for-5 with three RBIs. Thibodeau and Goolsby each homered and drove in two, while Vineyard added three hits and an RBI.  

"Our offense came to life in a big way and the bullpen was on point," Dubose continued. "We give oursleves the opportunity to take the series tomorrow."

Game three between West Alabama (1-1)  and Columbus State (1-1) is set for Sunday at 1:00 p.m. from Tartt Field as the Tigers continue their early-season slate.