Preview: Alabama Faces Jacksonville State in Midweek Showdown

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A top-15 midweek clash is set for Rudy Abbott Field on Tuesday as the Alabama Crimson Tide visit the Jacksonville State Gamecocks.

Both teams enter with momentum, having each secured weekend series sweeps. Alabama (22-7) took three from rival Auburn, capped by a 3-1 win Sunday. Jacksonville State (24-5) swept a road series at Louisiana Tech, winning 7-4 on Sunday.

The matchup features a compelling pitching storyline. Alabama’s Myles Upchurch, a key arm out of the bullpen, is expected to see significant action. He was brilliant in relief against Auburn on Sunday, throwing 4 1/3 innings with one hit, one earned run and four strikeouts. However, his outings have varied, including a rough one against Florida on March 22.

Jacksonville State will counter with Steven Cash, who has been dominant. In his last start Sunday, Cash fired six no-hit innings with seven strikeouts, though he allowed four earned runs. Over his last three appearances, he has pitched 16 innings, surrendering just two runs on two hits with 18 strikeouts.

These in-state foes met earlier this month in Tuscaloosa, with Alabama escaping with a 6-5 win on March 3.

The Gamecocks boast one of the nation’s best records and a potent offense, averaging over eight runs per game during their current six-game winning streak. Alabama’s pitching staff, which held Auburn to just four total runs in three games, will face its test.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this one projects as a high-scoring affair, with Jacksonville State holding a slight edge in a 7-6 final.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. CDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 75 degrees.

Following this game, Alabama travels to face Oklahoma in a weekend series, while Jacksonville State opens Conference USA play at home against Middle Tennessee.