LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The West Alabama Tigers (3-5) will look to get back on track as they host Tuskegee University (3-3) in a non-conference matchup at Tartt Field on Tuesday, February 11th, at 4 p.m.
West Alabama enters the contest hitting .259 as a team, with several key contributors leading the way.
Eli Burwash has been the top performer at the plate, boasting a .355 batting average, four doubles, and a team-best 1.040 OPS.
Joe Watkins and
Blake Vineyard have also been productive, each hitting .286 and combining for seven RBIs.
Bryce Newman (.273) and
Jake Goolsby (.250) have added power, with Goolsby leading the team with two home runs.
On the base paths, the Tigers have struggled to create extra opportunities, converting just seven of 12 stolen base attempts.
The Tigers' pitching staff holds a 6.09 ERA, with control being a key concern after allowing 38 walks in 65 innings. Despite this,
Maxwell Schumacher (1.29 ERA, .208 opponent batting average) and
Ryan Ladner (1.69 ERA, .118 opponent average) have provided quality innings.
Nolan Phillips has been nearly untouchable out of the bullpen, allowing no hits in 4.1 innings while striking out six.
The Golden Tigers enter the matchup with a 3-3 record and are looking to build momentum. Ryan Morrow has been their most consistent hitter, batting .300 with a .791 OPS. Mikelle Mason (.375) and Scott Williams (.250, one home run) provide additional offensive threats. Devon Lee has been an aggressive baserunner, swiping two bases in as many attempts.
The team's pitching staff has posted a 5.36 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP over 45.1 innings pitched, slightly higher than their opponents' 4.40 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. While the team has matched their opponents in wins and losses (3-3), they have allowed more walks (29 vs. 14) and have a slightly lower strikeout total (32 vs. 36).
West Alabama will aim to capitalize on home-field advantage and clean up its pitching to contain a Tuskegee lineup that has shown flashes of potential. If the Tigers can get another strong outing from Schumacher or Ladner, they'll have a solid chance to return to the win column. However, limiting free passes and executing with runners in scoring position will be key factors in determining the outcome.
First pitch is set for 4 p.m. at Tartt Field.
