Wins in these two games would put Alabama baseball (12-0) one win away from tying the school record for best start and two away from breaking it. Rain may keep at least one of these games from being played, but that is the situation currently.
SOUTH ALABAMA
The Jaguars have had some trouble scoring this year: three or fewer runs in seven of their 13 games. Sure, two of those games came against Vanderbilt, but two of them also came at home to Campbell, and two more came at home to Gonzaga.
Reid Powers (.375) and Michael Sandle (.304, 6-for-6 on stolen base attempts) are doing their part, but they’re also the only ones hitting better than .275. There’s also little to no power: Powers leads the team with two home runs in 40 at-bats. The Jaguars are striking out 11 times per game compared to drawing 3.38 walks per game.
Matt Boswell is the projected starter, and his two starts this year have been impressive. Against Vanderbilt, he allowed two runs (one earned) in six innings, even if living dangerously by allowing six hits and two walks. The next start against New Orleans: a complete game shutout with no walks, six hits allowed and five strikeouts.
NORTH ALABAMA
The 3-9 Lions have also had a low-scoring season to date: three or fewer runs in seven of their last eight games.
The lone hitter above .300 is Reid Homan at .304, and he happens to double as UNA’s best threat on the base paths at a perfect 9-for-9 on stolen-base attempts. Even including him, no Lion has more than two homers nor more than two doubles.
Two arms to know: freshman Cosi Scinta and sophomore Colton Teal. They’re the only ones that have yet to allow a run this season, and have done so by combining for an impressive two hits and two walks allowed over 6 2/3 innings.
Reach Brett Hudson at 205-722-0196 or bhudson@tuscaloosanews.com or via Twitter, @Brett_Hudson
