LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama saw a late lead slip away as William Carey plated three runs in the eighth inning to secure a 4-2 win over the Tigers in non-conference action at Tartt Field on Tuesday.
The Tigers (14-10) held a 2-1 advantage heading into the eighth, but the Crusaders (19-4) capitalized on timely hitting to steal the win.
William Carey struck first in the third inning when DeeJay Booth drove in a run on a single to center field. West Alabama responded in the fourth, with
Bryce Newman delivering an RBI single to score
Thomas Watson, tying the game at 1-1. The Tigers took the lead in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by
Nick Wilson, bringing home
Wayne Wilkerson for a 2-1 advantage.
The Crusaders took control in the eighth inning, sparked by an RBI single from Tyler Ducksworth. Moments later, Josh Alexander tripled to right field, scoring Ducksworth and giving William Carey a 3-2 lead. Jayden Mark capped off the rally with an RBI single to push the lead to 4-2.
West Alabama struggled to generate offense, finishing with just four hits. Newman, Wilson,
Colson Thompson, and
Austin Thacker each recorded one hit, while Wilson and Newman drove in the Tigers' only runs.
The Tigers had opportunities with 10 walks drawn, but they stranded 13 runners on base.
Fisher Moss and Watson each swiped a base in the loss.
Drew Cartee started on the mound for UWA, allowing one unearned run on two hits over three innings with three strikeouts.
Grainger West,
Jacob Marshall, and
Laney Keeton combined for four shutout innings before the Crusaders' late surge.
Jack Hoppenjans (0-1) was tagged with the loss after surrendering three runs in just one-third of an inning.
Gates Pee and
Baker Green closed out the game with 1.1 scoreless innings.
Bobby Magee (3-0) earned the win for William Carey, throwing the final three innings while allowing two hits and striking out three.
West Alabama turns its attention back to Gulf South Conference play, heading to Montevallo for a three-game series starting Friday at Kermit A. Johnson Field At Bob Riesener Stadium.