Bulldogs, Jaguars Set for Weekend Series Opener

MOBILE, Ala. (Interstat) — The South Alabama Jaguars, one of the nation’s hottest early-season teams, will host the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on Friday at Eddie Stanky Field to open a three-game weekend series.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 73 degrees.

The Jaguars (10-3) enter riding a four-game winning streak, including an 11-1 rout of UAB on Tuesday. South Alabama’s offense has been potent, scoring 41 runs over its last three victories.

Louisiana Tech (8-6) looks to rebound after dropping a midweek series to Arkansas State, including an 8-2 loss Wednesday. The Bulldogs have lost four of their last five.

A key matchup will feature two standout pitchers. South Alabama is expected to start right-hander Hayden O’Dell, who dominated UAB with five innings of one-run ball, allowing three hits and striking out eight. However, he was tagged for four earned runs in just two innings in his appearance on Feb. 24.

Louisiana Tech will counter with right-hander Thomas Allen, who was a bright spot in Wednesday’s loss. Allen delivered 5 1/3 strong innings against Arkansas State, giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out six. He has 12 strikeouts over his last 8 2/3 innings of work.

The Jaguars’ lineup is fueled by hot hitters like left fielder Rett Johnson, who went 3 for 4 with two RBIs against UAB, and second baseman Brennon Wright, who collected four hits.

For the Bulldogs, catcher Hayden Gustavson provided the lone offensive highlight Wednesday with a home run.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest projects to be a high-scoring affair, with a predicted final score of South Alabama 7, Louisiana Tech 6.

The series will continue Saturday and Sunday at Stanky Field before both teams embark on extended non-conference and conference slates.