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#10 Baseball Austin Christian

Tigers Set for High Stakes Finale Against UAH with GSC Title on the Line

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The #10 West Alabama Tigers baseball closes out the 2026 regular season this weekend with everything on the line, hosting UAH in a pivotal Gulf South Conference series at Tartt Field.

Originally scheduled as a traditional weekend set, the series will now begin on Friday, April 24, with a doubleheader at 12 and 3 p.m., followed by the regular season finale on Saturday, April 25 at 12 p.m. Saturday's contest will also serve as Senior Day, where the Tigers will honor Tanner Jones, Nick Wilson, Baker Green, Camden Diamond, Jacob Marshall, Rashad Robinson, Ryan Ladner, and Austin Thacker.

Championship Implications
West Alabama (32-12, 21-9 GSC) enters the final weekend sitting atop the conference standings, holding a one-game lead over Lee. With a berth already secured in the GSC Tournament, the Tigers now turn their focus toward capturing their first regular season title since 2015.

The path is simple: win at least two games and the Tigers claim the championship either outright or co-championed. With a 2-1 series win and a Lee sweep of Trevecca would result in a co-championship with the Flames depending on outcomes.

On the other side, UAH (20-21, 15-15 GSC) comes in fighting for postseason life. The Chargers sit eighth in the standings and need at least one win to secure a spot in the GSC Tournament, aiming for their 21st appearance and first since 2023.

Offensive Firepower
The Tigers continue to be one of the most balanced offensive teams in the conference, hitting .295 as a team, fourth in the GSC with 419 hits and 39 home runs on the year.

Leading the charge is Rashad Robinson, who is hitting .331 with a team-best 11 home runs and 49 runs scored, while also swiping 18 bases. Nick Wilson has been a consistent force in the lineup, batting .333 with 38 RBIs, while Hudson Walburn adds 40 RBIs and a .305 average.

Additional depth comes from Layth Holiday (.325), Wayne Wilkerson (.373), and Austin Thacker (.319), giving West Alabama a lineup capable of producing from top to bottom.

UAH, however, brings one of the most dangerous offenses in the league, ranking second in the GSC with a .318 team average. The Chargers are led by Seth Staggs (.394) and Caleb Mahan (.372), both ranking among the conference's top hitters. Taylor Bush adds power with five home runs and 36 RBIs, making UAH a tough matchup offensively.

Pitching Advantage
While UAH thrives at the plate, the Tigers counter with one of the best pitching staffs in Division II.

West Alabama ranks: 1st in the GSC in ERA (3.72) and are among the top teams nationally in multiple pitching categories.

Blake Westry (2.43 ERA, 7-1) and Colin Woodham (2.64 ERA, 5-1) have anchored the rotation all season, while Baker Green (4.06 ERA) provides experience in key spots.

Out of the bullpen, Tyler Pierce has been dominant, boasting a 2.00 ERA with six saves, while Thomas Kerby (2.19 ERA) continues to deliver in high-leverage situations.

In contrast, UAH has struggled on the mound, carrying a 7.32 team ERA, eighth in the GSC, which could prove to be the deciding factor in the series.

Series History
The all-time series has been tightly contested, with UAH holding a 48-41 advantage. However, the Tigers have found success at home, winning 11 of the last 18 matchups in Livingston.

West Alabama also swept last season's series in Huntsville, including a 1-0 shutout, an 8-1 victory, and a 9-0 forfeit win.

Final Push
With a championship within reach and postseason momentum on the line, the Tigers enter the weekend with both urgency and opportunity. A strong showing not only secures a GSC title but could also solidify West Alabama's positioning for regional play.

For UAH, the mission is just as clear, win and extends the season.

All eyes now turn to Tartt Field, where a regular season finale packed with implications awaits.
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Players Mentioned

Austin Thacker

#1 Austin Thacker

INF/OF
5' 7"
Senior
R/R
Wayne Wilkerson

#12 Wayne Wilkerson

OF
6' 1"
Redshirt Sophomore
Nick Wilson

#14 Nick Wilson

INF
6' 0"
Junior
Baker Green

#24 Baker Green

RHP
6' 5"
Junior
Ryan Ladner

#30 Ryan Ladner

RHP
6' 2"
Redshirt Sophomore
Jacob Marshall

#38 Jacob Marshall

RHP
6' 3"
Junior
Tanner Jones

#47 Tanner Jones

C
5' 8"
Junior
Layth Holiday

#0 Layth Holiday

OF
5' 10"
Junior
Hudson Walburn

#5 Hudson Walburn

C
5' 10"
Junior
Colin Woodham

#32 Colin Woodham

LHP
5' 11"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Austin Thacker

#1 Austin Thacker

5' 7"
Senior
R/R
INF/OF
Wayne Wilkerson

#12 Wayne Wilkerson

6' 1"
Redshirt Sophomore
OF
Nick Wilson

#14 Nick Wilson

6' 0"
Junior
INF
Baker Green

#24 Baker Green

6' 5"
Junior
RHP
Ryan Ladner

#30 Ryan Ladner

6' 2"
Redshirt Sophomore
RHP
Jacob Marshall

#38 Jacob Marshall

6' 3"
Junior
RHP
Tanner Jones

#47 Tanner Jones

5' 8"
Junior
C
Layth Holiday

#0 Layth Holiday

5' 10"
Junior
OF
Hudson Walburn

#5 Hudson Walburn

5' 10"
Junior
C
Colin Woodham

#32 Colin Woodham

5' 11"
Junior
LHP