LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The No. 4 University of West Alabama baseball team heads into one of its biggest conference series of the season this weekend, traveling to face (RV) Lee University in a pivotal Gulf South Conference matchup. First pitch is set for Friday, April 17 at 4 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader on April 18 at 12 and 3 p.m.
The Tigers (31-9, 20-7 GSC) have already clinched a spot in the GSC Tournament and currently sit atop the conference standings. Meanwhile, the Flames (29-13, 18-9 GSC) are right behind in tied for second place and enter the weekend riding a nine-game winning streak, setting up a high-stakes battle with postseason implications.
West Alabama has been powered by one of the most balanced lineups in the conference, hitting .302 as a team with 36 home runs and 247 RBI.
Nick Wilson leads the charge with a .342 average and seven home runs, while
Rashad Robinson has been a dynamic force at the plate, hitting .324 with nine home runs, 45 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases.
Hudson Walburn adds depth with a .315 average and 36 RBI, while
Layth Holiday and
Wayne Wilkerson have both provided key contributions in limited action, each hitting above .370.
On the mound, the Tigers continue to showcase one of the top pitching staffs in Division II, posting a 3.40 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. The weekend rotation features
Blake Westry (7-1, 2.19 ERA),
Colin Woodham (5-0, 2.68 ERA), and
Baker Green (3-2, 3.59 ERA), all of whom have consistently given the Tigers quality starts. Out of the bullpen,
Tyler Pierce has been dominant with a 1.80 ERA and six saves, while
Camden Lyke and
Thomas Kerby have provided reliable relief innings.
Defensively, West Alabama ranks among the league's best with a .970 fielding percentage, highlighted by steady play from Wilson and
Aaron Wallace on the infield.
Lee presents a major challenge, boasting the top offense in the GSC with a .338 team batting average, 53 home runs, and 387 runs scored. Luke Collier leads the Flames with a .396 average, nine home runs, and 59 RBI, while Cody Turner and Isaiah French have combined for 19 home runs and 89 RBI. The Flames lineup features multiple hitters batting above .340, making them one of the most dangerous offensive groups in the region.
On the mound, Lee holds a 5.08 ERA, led by starters Evan Bloomer and Gage Shaver, who have combined for 11 wins this season.
The all-time series between the two programs is tightly contested, with Lee holding a slight 15-14 advantage. The Flames have also been strong at home, posting a 9-3 record against the Tigers in Cleveland. However, West Alabama has had recent success in the matchup, winning six of the last ten meetings, including a series sweep in Livingston last season.
With first place in the GSC standings on the line and postseason positioning at stake, this weekend's series promises to be one of the most competitive matchups of the season.
