Game Preview: Jacksonville State at Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — Two hot in-state baseball teams will meet Tuesday when the Jacksonville State Gamecocks visit the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon. The forecast calls for cloudy skies and 76-degree temperatures.

Jacksonville State (10-2) enters riding a five-game winning streak, including a three-game road sweep of Memphis capped by a 7-1 victory Sunday. The Gamecocks’ pitching was dominant in the series, allowing just six total runs.

A player to watch for the Gamecocks is right-hander Beau Bryans, who threw five hitless, scoreless innings with four strikeouts in relief to earn the win Sunday. Over his last two appearances, he has a 4.50 ERA with seven strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings.

Alabama (9-3) looks to rebound after an 8-2 home loss to Houston on Sunday. Prior to that, the Crimson Tide had won four straight, including an 8-7 road win at then-Oregon State on Feb. 28.

A key reliever for Alabama is right-hander Austin Morris, who has not allowed a run in his last two outings spanning 4 1/3 innings. He struck out three in 2 1/3 scoreless frames against Houston.

The Gamecocks’ offense is paced by shortstop Caleb Johnson, who went 4 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in Sunday’s win. Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron homered in the loss to Houston.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest projects to be a high-scoring affair, with a predicted final score of Jacksonville State 8, Alabama 7.

Following this midweek matchup, Jacksonville State will host Valparaiso for a three-game series starting Friday. Alabama will travel to face Alabama State on Wednesday before hosting North Florida for a three-game set beginning Friday.