LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The West Alabama baseball team (2-2) is set for a four-game road trip in Florida, beginning with a Friday matchup against Palm Beach Atlantic at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader at Nova Southeastern at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and concluding with a Sunday morning contest against Lynn at 11 a.m.
West Alabama enters the weekend coming off a .500 start to the season. Offensively, the Tigers have been led by
Tanner Jones (.500 AVG, .667 OBP),
Jake Goolsby (.400 AVG, 2 HR, 5 RBI), and
Blake Vineyard (.385 AVG, 3 RBI, 2 SB). The team has collectively hit .273 with four home runs and 24 RBIs.
On the mound, UWA has gotten strong performances from
Jacob Marshall (1-0, 2.25 ERA),
Beau Bryant (1-0, 3.00 ERA), and a bullpen that has kept opponents to a .232 batting average. The Tigers will look to stabilize their staff after allowing 21 earned runs in four games.
The Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish (0-4) are seeking their first win of the season. Offensively, Matthew Faranda (.438 AVG, 2 2B, 3 RBI) and Ben Green (.333 AVG, 4 R) lead the lineup, while the team is hitting .231 overall. Their pitching staff has struggled, posting a 7.59 ERA and allowing 41 hits in just four games.
The Nova Southeastern Sharks (3-1) are coming off a hot start to the season, featuring a balanced offense led by Nick Terrell (.429 AVG, 3 RBI) and Troy Hamilton (.385 AVG, 2B, 2 RBI). Their pitching staff, led by Daniel Batcher (1-0, 1.50 ERA, 8 K in 6 IP), has held opponents to a .263 average.
The Lynn Fighting Knights (1-2) have showcased power early in the season, led by Manny Martinez (.500 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI) and James Baldwin (.357 AVG, 3 XBH). Their pitching staff has posted a 5.50 ERA, with Michael Dolan (1-0, 0.00 ERA) emerging as an early standout.
The Tigers have put up solid numbers, but timely hitting will be key against Florida competition. West Alabama's rotation will need to limit free passes after issuing 23 walks in four games. The Tigers have been sharp defensively with a .986 fielding percentage, which could be a factor in close games.
West Alabama looks to build momentum as they take on a trio of Sunshine State Conference foes in a challenging road test.
