BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – West Alabama delivered an all-around dominant performance on Tuesday, rolling past Miles College 15-1 at Rickwood Field. The Tigers used a five-run second inning and a late offensive surge to secure their 13th win of the season and eighth win in a row.
After a scoreless first, UWA broke the game open in the second inning. Ryan Fletcher and Austin Thacker were both hit by pitches with the bases loaded to bring in the first two runs. Eli Burwash followed with a sacrifice fly, and Joe Watkins capped the frame with a two-run double to left, making it 5-0.
West Alabama added three more runs in the fourth, highlighted by Jake Goolsby's two-run double. Nick Wilson and Michael Cole each drove in runs in the sixth to push the lead to double digits. The Tigers then exploded for five more runs in the ninth, taking advantage of defensive miscues and clutch hitting to seal the rout.
The Tigers' pitching staff was outstanding, holding Miles to just six hits while striking out nine batters. Laney Keeton (1-0) earned the win with two strong innings in relief, while Grainger West secured the save with four innings of one-run ball.
West Alabama (13-7, 7-2 GSC) now shifts its focus to a three-game Gulf South Conference series at Valdosta State, beginning Friday at 5 p.m.
