OXFORD, Ala. – The fifth-seeded West Alabama Tigers are set to open their 2024 Gulf South Conference Baseball Championship run against the fourth-seeded Mississippi College Choctaws on Friday, May 2, at 4 p.m. from Choccolocco Park.
West Alabama (27-22, 18-15 GSC) enters postseason play looking to turn the tables after dropping two of three to Mississippi College (27-17, 19-13 GSC) to open the conference slate in February. Since then, UWA has shown signs of steady growth behind a balanced offense and a pitching staff that has settled into form.
The Tigers' lineup is paced by junior outfielder Joe Watkins, who has been an engine at the top of the order with a .301 average, 10 home runs, 35 RBIs, and an impressive 1.006 OPS. Fellow run producers Blake Vineyard (.310 AVG, 8 HR, 35 RBI) and Nick Wilson (.301 AVG, .412 OBP) offer additional punch in the middle of the lineup. As a team, UWA has slugged 46 home runs while producing 237 RBIs on 375 hits.
On the mound, senior left-hander Bryant Quimby has been the ace all season long, boasting a 2.63 ERA with 61 strikeouts over 72 innings. Behind him, Maxwell Schumacher (3.53 ERA) and standout reliever Judah Buckner, who has yet to allow an earned run in 17 innings while notching four saves, provide solid depth.
Overall, the Tigers' pitching staff has held opponents to a .261 batting average and ranks among the league's more efficient bullpens, recording 319 strikeouts to just 201 walks across 401 innings.
Mississippi College enters the matchup with a strong offensive presence and a deep pitching staff, positioning them as a threat in the Gulf South Conference.
The Choctaws' lineup is powered by a potent top half, headlined by Korey Cooper, who boasts a .376 average, 12 home runs, and 55 RBIs. Right behind him, Bryce LaRocca and Jordan Evans have also crossed the .340 mark at the plate, combining for 24 homers and 96 RBIs. Evans leads the team in stolen bases with 22, adding a speed element to the lineup.
Logan Shurden (.329, 42 RBIs) and JT Vance (.306, 13 HRs) round out a dangerous top five that has combined for nearly 250 RBIs on the season.
As a team, Mississippi College is hitting .298 with a team OPS of .878, showcasing their ability to hit for both average and power.
On the mound, the Choctaws have leaned on Holland Townes (76 K in 74.2 IP) and Caleb Peterson (62 K in 61.2 IP) as their primary starters, while Gabe Garner (3.76 ERA) and Dylan Cope (2.43 ERA) provide stability in relief.
Though the team ERA sits at 4.75, the staff has combined for 346 strikeouts, and the bullpen features several reliable arms, including closer Coby Gollott, who has tallied five saves with a 3.90 ERA.
Both teams enter Friday's contest knowing the winner moves one step closer to the GSC Championship title. With postseason pressure looming, UWA will aim to flip the script from its earlier meeting with the Choctaws and ride its recent momentum behind a core of veteran hitters and a confident pitching staff.
First pitch is set for 4 p.m. CT from Oxford, Alabama.
