LIVINGSTON, Ala. — No. 8 West Alabama baseball returns to Tartt Field on Tuesday, March 31st, for a midweek showdown against Tuskegee University, with first pitch set for 5 p.m.
The Tigers enter the contest at 25-7 overall and 16-5 in Gulf South Conference play, looking to continue building momentum as they continue a strong 2026 campaign. Tuesday's matchup marks the second meeting between the two programs this season, with West Alabama dominating the first contest in a 21-1 victory back on February 10th.
West Alabama has been powered all season by one of the most productive offenses in the region, hitting .311 as a team with 326 hits and 214 RBIs through 32 games. The lineup features a balanced mix of power and consistency, led by
Nick Wilson, who is batting .347 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs.
Hudson Walburn has added a .316 average with 28 RBIs, while
Rashad Robinson continues to be a dynamic presence at the top of the order, hitting .309 with a team-high 37 runs scored and 13 stolen bases.
The Tigers boast impressive depth throughout the lineup, with multiple players hitting above .300, including
Wayne Wilkerson (.418),
Peyton Moss (.409),
Layth Holiday (.404), and
Austin Thacker (.350).
Kyle Blevins has also contributed across the board with 22 RBIs and six extra-base hits, giving West Alabama a consistent offensive threat from top to bottom.
On the mound, West Alabama holds a 3.50 team ERA and has limited opponents to a .242 batting average.
Blake Westry leads the pitching staff with a 6-0 record and a 2.27 ERA, while
Colin Woodham (4-0, 2.70 ERA) and
Baker Green (3-1, 3.15 ERA) have provided reliability in the rotation. In midweek action, the Tigers have seen contributions from
Beau Bryant and
Camden Diamond, both of whom have logged valuable innings this season.
Out of the bullpen,
Thomas Kerby and
Tyler Pierce have been key arms, combining five saves and maintaining ERAs near or below 2.50. The Tigers' pitching depth has been a major factor in their success, supported by a defense that holds a .970 fielding percentage on the year.
Tuskegee enters Tuesday's contest with a 9-21 overall record and a 6-14 mark in SIAC play. Despite their record, the Golden Tigers feature a capable offense hitting .274 as a team, led by Jabari Johnson (.368, 22 RBIs) and Ryan Morrow (.360, 25 RBIs). The duo provides much of Tuskegee's offensive production, along with Collin McLain and Chris Smith, who both hit above .300.
Tuskegee has also been aggressive on the basepaths, tallying 85 stolen bases in 105 attempts this season, which could present a challenge for West Alabama defensively.
On the mound, Tuskegee has struggled with consistency, posting a 9.03 team ERA while allowing opponents to hit .297. Aidan Zacarias and Christian Baker have logged the most innings for the Golden Tigers, while Jared Harmon, who started in the previous meeting between the two teams will be a name to watch if he returns to the mound in a midweek role.
With a high-powered offense and a deep pitching staff, West Alabama will look to replicate its earlier success against Tuskegee and protect its home field. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Tartt Field as the Tigers aim to continue their strong season and build momentum heading into the weekend.
