JACKSON, Tenn. – No. 8 West Alabama Tigers baseball fell in the opening game of its Gulf South Conference series against Union Bulldogs baseball, 8-3, Friday evening at Fesmire Field.

West Alabama moves to 23-7 on the season following the loss, while Union improves to 13-18.

The Tigers struck early and briefly held the lead, but a combination of defensive miscues and timely hitting by the Bulldogs proved costly. West Alabama committed five errors in the contest, leading to six unearned runs for Union.

After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, UWA answered in the second. Kyle Blevins delivered a triple to right center to drive in a run, and Tanner Jones followed with an RBI groundout to tie the game at 2-2.

The Tigers took a 3-2 lead in the third inning when Jack Buening reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Rashad Robinson to score.

Union quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning, using a triple from Caleb Davis and a wild pitch to regain the lead at 4-3. The Bulldogs added another run in the fourth on a stolen base sequence, extending their advantage to 5-3.

Despite solid pitching stretches, the Tigers were unable to overcome the deficit. Union added insurance runs in the seventh inning, capitalizing on another defensive miscue to push the lead to 8-3.

Offensively, West Alabama recorded seven hits on the night. Blevins led the way, going 2-for-4 with a triple, double, and an RBI. Robinson added a double and scored a run, while Hayes Alford reached base three times.

On the mound, Baker Green (3-1) took the loss despite allowing just one earned run over five innings, striking out three. Lane Evans earned the win for Union, while Cole Lannom picked up the save with 3.2 scoreless innings in relief.

West Alabama will look to bounce back as the series continues with a doubleheader on Saturday.