LIVINGSTON, Ala. - With the postseason on the line, West Alabama baseball heads to Charger Park in Huntsville for a pivotal three-game Gulf South Conference series against Alabama-Huntsville to close out the regular season.
The series kicks off with a Friday doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m., followed by the finale on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
UWA enters the weekend in the thick of the GSC Tournament race, not having clinched a postseason spot, adding extra weight to each pitch, swing, and inning.
West Alabama (24-22, 15-15 GSC) enters the series riding a five-game win streak and surging at the right time. The Tigers have found their rhythm at the plate behind consistent production from veterans like
Blake Vineyard (.321 AVG, 8 HR, 34 RBI) and
Joe Watkins (.316 AVG, 1.051 OPS, 10 HR, 35 RBI), while
Nick Wilson has remained a steady force in the heart of the lineup with a .299 average and 28 RBIs.
UWA's offensive lineup has shown flashes of power, totaling 45 home runs on the season, and getting on base at a .364 clip. The Tigers will look to stay aggressive on the basepaths and clean in execution, having swiped 45 bases while turning 18 double plays defensively.
On the mound, West Alabama is led by ace
Bryant Quimby (6-5, 2.70 ERA), who has been a reliable presence in the rotation all season.
Judah Buckner has been lights out of the bullpen with a 0.00 ERA and four saves in 16 innings, giving head coach Eric Dubose a dependable late-game option.
The Tiger pitching staff holds a collective 4.57 ERA while holding opponents to a .266 average. UWA's ability to limit free passes and capitalize on run support could prove crucial in a tight series where postseason fate hangs in the balance.
The Chargers enter the series with a 19-26 overall record, including a 9-21 mark in GSC play, and are currently on a five-game losing streak. Despite their recent skid, UAH brings a dangerous offense to the plate, batting .285 as a team with 48 home runs and a .834 OPS. Brock Butler leads the charge with 16 homers and a team-high 50 RBIs while sporting a 1.187 OPS. JC Wilburn (.366 AVG) and Will Noles (.348 AVG) also provide consistent production at the top of the lineup.
On the mound, the Chargers have struggled mightily, posting an 8.24 team ERA with opponents batting .329 against them. Only Cory Hagood (4-2, 6.15 ERA, 4 saves) has provided a steady presence out of the bullpen. The rest of the staff has been plagued by control issues and high run totals, contributing to their late-season slide.
The Tigers will aim to carry their momentum into Huntsville and finish strong in hopes of extending their season into tournament play. Every pitch matters now and West Alabama is ready.
