VALDOSTA, Ga. – Riding an eight-game winning streak, the West Alabama Tigers (13-7, 7-2 GSC) are set to take on the Valdosta State Blazers for a pivotal Gulf South Conference series this weekend. The teams will play a doubleheader on Friday, March 7, with the first game set for 1 p.m. EST, followed by a single game on Saturday, March 8, at noon at Billy Grant Field.
West Alabama has been dominant over the past few weeks, fueled by a balanced attack at the plate and a steady pitching rotation.
Eli Burwash has been a key offensive contributor, leading the team with a .365 batting average, 27 hits, and an impressive 1.057 OPS.
Joe Watkins has been another standout, posting a .313 average with a team-high 25 runs scored and four home runs.
Blake Vineyard (.369 AVG, 14 RBIs) and
Nick Wilson (.269 AVG, 19 RBIs) have provided additional power, while
Jake Goolsby has added pop with four homers and 19 RBIs. As a team, UWA is hitting .272 with 21 home runs, outpacing opponents in several offensive categories.
On the mound, the Tigers have relied on a deep and effective pitching staff.
Bryant Quimby (2-2, 4.21 ERA) has been a steady starter, while
Maxwell Schumacher (1-1, 3.15 ERA) has been effective in his outings. The bullpen has been anchored by
Judah Buckner, who has yet to allow a hit in 6.1 innings pitched with 10 strikeouts. As a unit, the pitching staff holds a 5.15 ERA, limiting opponents to a .258 batting average.
The Tigers will look to slow down a Blazers offense that has been one of the most productive in the conference, batting .316 as a team with 19 home runs and 146 RBIs through 19 games.
Valdosta State's offense is led by Marcos Sevillano (.478 AVG, 14 RBIs) and Easton Hood (.462 AVG, 4 HR, 15 RBIs), who have been consistent threats at the plate. DJ Banks has also been a key contributor, leading the team in hits (29) and RBIs (22).
On the mound, the Blazers have relied on Hunter Booth (2.79 ERA, 25 strikeouts) and Zac Dodson (3.21 ERA, 18 strikeouts) as their top starters. The Valdosta pitching staff has posted a 5.78 team ERA, with opponents hitting .276 against them.
West Alabama will aim to capitalize on any pitching inconsistencies while containing Valdosta's deep lineup. Solid pitching and timely hitting will be key if the Tigers hope to secure a victory in this conference battle.
With both teams looking to make a statement in the GSC standings, this weekend's series promises to be an exciting battle in Valdosta.
