LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama baseball team is set to host Mississippi College on Tuesday, March 18th, at 4 p.m. at Tartt Field in a key Gulf South Conference (GSC) matchup. The Tigers enter the contest with a 16-11 overall record and a 10-5 mark in GSC play, looking to build momentum as the season progresses.
West Alabama's offense has been a consistent force this season, led by
Eli Burwash, who boasts a .361 batting average and a 1.011 OPS. Burwash has driven in 17 runs and collected eight doubles and three home runs.
Joe Watkins has also been a key contributor, hitting .314 with six home runs and 23 RBIs, while
Blake Vineyard provides power with five home runs and 22 RBIs, hitting at a .318 clip.
Nick Wilson has been a steady presence in the lineup, posting a .300 average with four home runs and 21 RBIs. The Tigers' ability to produce runs has been evident, with a team batting average of .264 and 151 RBIs through 27 games.
On the mound,
Bryant Quimby leads the Tigers' rotation with a 3.11 ERA and a 4-2 record across seven starts, tallying 37 strikeouts in 37.2 innings.
Judah Buckner has been nearly untouchable out of the bullpen, posting a 0.00 ERA in 10.1 innings while securing three saves.
Maxwell Schumacher (3.90 ERA, 27.2 IP) and
Ryan Ladner (3.29 ERA, 13.2 IP) provide additional depth for a pitching staff that has held opponents to a .265 batting average.
Defensively, the Tigers have been reliable, with key contributors such as
Ryan Fletcher, who has recorded 60 putouts without an error. The team has limited opponents' stolen base success, with Fletcher throwing out 11 would-be base stealers this season.
Mississippi College enters the contest with a 17-9 overall record and a 10-5 mark in GSC play, boasting a well-rounded lineup and a solid pitching staff.
Mississippi College has been led at the plate by Korey Cooper, who is hitting .426 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs. Bryce LaRocca follows closely with a .362 average, six home runs, and 29 RBIs, while Jordan Evans provides speed and power, slashing .308 with 34 runs scored and 13 stolen bases. The Choctaws are hitting .272 as a team with 27 home runs and a .824 OPS.
On the mound, Holland Townes has been a workhorse, leading the staff with 41.1 innings pitched, a 5.44 ERA, and 50 strikeouts. Blake Gollott (4-0, 5.13 ERA) and Caleb Peterson (6.33 ERA) have also logged significant innings. The bullpen has been anchored by Coby Gollott (2.70 ERA, 3-2 record) and Jack Bell, who leads the team with three saves.
Mississippi College has been solid in the field, with Tyler Jacobsen (1.000 fielding percentage) excelling behind the plate. The Choctaws have also turned multiple double plays and have been strong at limiting stolen bases.
First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Tartt Field. West Alabama will aim to extend its strong play in conference action and secure another key GSC victory.
