LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The No. 8 University of West Alabama baseball team stays at Tartt Field this weekend for a three-game Gulf South Conference series against the Valdosta State Blazers.
The Tigers will open the series on Friday, March 6, with a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m., with game two scheduled for approximately 3 p.m. The series finale will be played Saturday, March 7, at 1 p.m.
Tigers Off to Hot Start
West Alabama Tigers baseball enters the weekend with a 16-2 overall record and an 8-1 mark in Gulf South Conference play. The Tigers have been one of the most balanced teams in the conference, combining a potent offense with a strong pitching staff and reliable defense.
West Alabama's lineup has been productive from top to bottom, posting a .326 team batting average with 195 hits, 30 doubles, and 14 home runs through the first 18 games of the season. The Tigers have also been aggressive on the bases, swiping 34 stolen bases in 43 attempts.
Nick Wilson has led the charge offensively, hitting .400 with four home runs and 23 RBIs while carrying a 1.089 OPS.
Rashad Robinson has also been a key contributor, batting .350 with three home runs, 15 RBIs, and nine stolen bases.
Hudson Walburn adds consistency to the lineup with a .313 average and 20 runs scored, while
Kyle Blevins has driven in 12 runs with a .315 average.
West Alabama has also received strong contributions throughout the roster, including
Diego Bryant (.333, three home runs),
Wayne Wilkerson (.394 average), and
Peyton Moss (.421 average in limited appearances).
Strong Work on the Mound
The Tigers' pitching staff has been equally impressive, posting a 3.20 team ERA while holding opponents to a .215 batting average. West Alabama pitchers have combined for 145 strikeouts across 149 innings this season.
Blake Westry leads the starting rotation with a 1.19 ERA and a 3-0 record over 22.2 innings.
Colin Woodham has logged a team-high 23.2 innings with 21 strikeouts, while
Baker Green enters the weekend with a 3.80 ERA and a team-leading 25 strikeouts.
The bullpen has also been reliable, highlighted by
Tyler Pierce, who has recorded two saves with a 2.70 ERA, and
Camden Lyke, who has yet to allow an earned run while striking out eight batters in relief.
Defensively, West Alabama has been among the nation's best, posting a .984 fielding percentage with only 10 errors in 621 chances.
Scouting the Blazers
The Valdosta State Blazers enter the series with a 6-12 overall record and a 4-5 mark in conference play.
The Blazers are hitting .269 as a team and have been led offensively by Charlie Banks, who is batting .347 with four home runs and 18 RBIs. Jackson Webster (.317) and Luke Flading (.308) have also been productive at the plate, while Brent Howard has driven in 12 runs and drawn 15 walks.
On the mound, Drake LaRoche leads the Blazers' starting rotation with a 4.50 ERA across 28 innings, while Garrett Moody has struck out 28 batters in 22 innings of work.
Weekend Outlook
With both teams looking to gain momentum in conference play, the series presents an important early-season test in the GSC standings. West Alabama will aim to continue its strong start and defend its home field, while Valdosta State looks to build on its conference record against a nationally ranked opponent.
Fans can catch all three games at Tartt Field or follow along through live stats and streaming via FloCollege.
