LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama baseball team returns home this weekend to host the UWA Invitational at Tartt Field, welcoming Albany State and Augusta for a five-game, three-day slate as the Tigers look to build on an unbeaten start to the 2026 season.
West Alabama (2-0) will open the weekend against Albany State on Friday, February 6 at 5 p.m., before facing the Golden Rams again on Saturday, February 7 at 12 p.m. Later that evening, the Tigers will take on Augusta at 8 p.m., following a 4 p.m. matchup between Albany State and Augusta. The invitational wraps up on Sunday, February 8, with UWA squaring off against Augusta at noon.
Tigers Trending Up Early
The Tigers have been sharp through the opening weekend, hitting .314 as a team while posting a .443 on-base percentage and allowing just two earned runs across 18 innings on the mound.
Offensively, newcomer Aaron Wallace has wasted no time making an impact. The junior shortstop is hitting .500 through two games with four hits, a pair of walks, and a .600 on-base percentage. Hudson Walburn has also been a catalyst at the top of the order, batting .444 with a double, three RBIs, and a team-high three runs scored.
Hayes Alford (.333 AVG, .600 OBP) and Nick Wilson (.300 AVG) have provided steady production, while Wayne Wilkerson impressed in limited action, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an .800 on-base percentage. UWA's lineup has shown patience early, drawing 14 walks while striking out just seven times.
On the mound, the Tigers' pitching staff has been equally impressive, posting a 1.00 ERA and holding opponents to a .219 batting average. Thomas Kerby earned a win in his first outing, allowing just one earned run over 6.1 innings. The bullpen has been reliable, with Cade Miller and Camden Diamond each recording saves, and nine different pitchers combining to limit damage and strand runners.
Defensively, UWA has been solid behind the pitching staff, turning two double plays and posting a .934 fielding percentage through the first two games.
Scouting the Field
Albany State (1-0) enters the weekend swinging hot bats after hitting .436 as a team in its opening game. Isaiah Haygood and Luke Addison each went 3-for-4, while Tyler Turner added a home run and five total bases. On the mound, Quindon Wright anchored the Golden Rams with 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five.
Augusta (2-1) presents another strong challenge, boasting a balanced offense that has hit .330 through three games. Roland Chance has been the Jaguars' most dangerous bat, slugging two home runs and driving in five runs, while Nolan Turner and Jake Vachon have consistently found their way on base. Augusta's pitching staff has leaned on Ty Cobb, who has yet to allow a run in 3.2 innings and holds opponents to a .091 average.
Weekend Outlook
With early momentum, strong pitching depth, and an offense that has shown both patience and balance, West Alabama will look to take advantage of playing at Tartt Field and continue stacking wins. The UWA Invitational provides an early-season test against two high-powered lineups and an opportunity for the Tigers to further establish themselves as they push deeper into the non-conference portion of the schedule.
First pitch is set for 5 p.m. Friday as UWA opens the invitational against Albany State.
