LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama baseball team continues Gulf South Conference play with a three-game series against #14 Delta State at Tartt Field. The series opens on Friday, March 21, at 5 p.m., followed by a doubleheader on Saturday, March 22, starting at 1 p.m.
On Saturday, West Alabama will honor their 2005 and 2015 GSC Championship teams as members from both squads are set to return to Livingston for their reunion. A ceremony will be held in between games during the double header between the Tigers and Statesmen.
West Alabama (16-12, 10-5 GSC) enters the weekend in strong form, sitting near the top of the conference standings. The Tigers have showcased a balanced offensive approach, led by
Eli Burwash, who boasts a .347 batting average with 35 hits and 17 RBIs.
Joe Watkins provides power, leading the team with six home runs and 25 RBIs while maintaining a .319 average and a 1.081 OPS.
Blake Vineyard and
Nick Wilson have also played pivotal roles at the plate, combining for 50 hits and 42 RBIs. As a team, UWA holds a .263 batting average with 30 home runs this season. The Tigers have also been active on the basepaths, swiping 32 stolen bases in 48 attempts.
On the mound,
Bryant Quimby leads the pitching staff with a 3.11 ERA over 37.2 innings, striking out 37 batters.
Judah Buckner has been dominant out of the bullpen, posting a 0.00 ERA in 10.1 innings of relief while recording three saves.
Maxwell Schumacher (3.90 ERA) and
Ryan Ladner (3.29 ERA) are also expected to be key contributors in the rotation.
#14 Delta State (19-7, 12-3 GSC) enters the series boasting one of the top offenses in the conference, hitting .305 as a team while averaging nearly eight runs per game. The Statesmen have collected 57 doubles, 36 home runs, and 37 stolen bases this season, making them a well-rounded offensive threat. Brett Burrell leads the way with a .437 batting average, seven home runs, and 32 RBIs, while Dylan Coleman has added six homers, 29 RBIs, and a .316 average.
On the mound, Delta State holds a team ERA of 3.42, with opponents hitting just .228 against them. Ace pitcher Drake Fontenot has been dominant, posting a 0.77 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched, while reliever Jackson Rutledge has been reliable out of the bullpen with a 2.25 ERA and four saves.
Fans are encouraged to attend the series at Tartt Field or follow the action live through UWA Athletics' streaming and stat updates.
