LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The West Alabama baseball team (17-15, 10-8 GSC) is set to host Union University (11-19, 5-12 GSC) for a pivotal three-game Gulf South Conference series at Tartt Field.
The series opens with a double header on Friday, March 28, with first pitch set for 12 p.m., followed by Game Three on Saturday, March 29, beginning at 1 p.m.
West Alabama enters the series looking to build on its solid conference record and continue climbing the GSC standings. The Tigers are batting .252 as a team, with a balanced offensive attack led by
Eli Burwash and
Joe Watkins. Burwash leads the squad with a .316 average, 36 hits, and a .465 slugging percentage, while Watkins has been a key run producer, posting a team-high six home runs and 26 RBIs with a 1.040 OPS.
Blake Vineyard (.300 AVG, 5 HR, 22 RBIs) and
Nick Wilson (.284 AVG, 4 HR, 26 RBIs) have also been consistent contributors at the plate. The Tigers' offense has shown power with 33 home runs this season, making them a dangerous lineup for opposing pitchers.
UWA's pitching staff has posted a 5.22 team ERA, with
Bryant Quimby leading the rotation. Quimby holds a 4-3 record with a 2.62 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 44.2 innings pitched.
Maxwell Schumacher (4.59 ERA, 33.1 IP, 20 Ks) and
Judah Buckner (0.00 ERA, 13.1 IP, 19 Ks) provide depth on the mound.
Out of the bullpen, Buckner has been a reliable arm with three saves in 10 appearances. The staff will look to limit Union's offensive threats and control the pace of the series.
Union enters the series batting .275 as a team, led by Carson Chavies, who boasts a .388 average with 27 RBIs. Grant Ross (.313, 20 RBIs) and Colby Davis (.321, 13 RBIs) provide additional production at the plate, while Garrett Goodwin (.292, 18 RBIs) adds depth to the lineup. The Bulldogs have tallied 24 home runs this season, with Ross leading the team with six.
On the mound, Union's pitching staff carries a collective 8.87 ERA, with Eli Snelson (3-3, 7.21 ERA) leading the team in innings pitched. Gavin Good (2-4, 6.75 ERA) and Zach Phillips (1-2, 9.82 ERA) have also seen significant action on the mound, while reliever Ben Smith (1-1, 5.40 ERA) has provided key bullpen support. The Bulldogs have struggled with command at times, issuing 161 walks in 30 games.
With both teams jockeying for positioning in the GSC standings, this weekend's series carries significant implications. West Alabama will look to use its home-field advantage to secure crucial conference wins. Timely hitting and strong pitching performances will be the key for the Tigers as they aim to take control of the series against the Bulldogs.
First pitch is set for Friday at 12 p.m. at Tartt Field.
