SOUTH ALABAMA JAGUARS (19-13) AT ALABAMA STATE HORNETS (14-16)

Preview

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Interstat) — The South Alabama Jaguars visit the Alabama State Hornets on Wednesday night at Wheeler–Watkins Baseball Complex in a nonconference midweek matchup.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under clear skies with a game-time temperature near 76 degrees.

South Alabama (19-13) enters after dropping a road Sun Belt Conference series at Coastal Carolina, including a 7-8 loss on Saturday. The Jaguars’ bullpen was a bright spot in that defeat, with reliever Zach Stevens delivering 3.2 hitless innings, striking out five.

Stevens, a key arm for the Jaguars, has been dominant in recent outings. Over his last five appearances spanning 12.2 innings, he has allowed just one earned run and six hits while striking out 18 batters. He figures to play a pivotal role against the Hornets.

Alabama State (14-16) looks to rebound from a staggering 1-26 home loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday. First baseman and catcher Fabian Santana provided one of the few highlights in that lopsided defeat, going 2-for-2 with a solo home run.

Santana has been a consistent offensive threat for the Hornets. In his last 10 games, he is batting .300 (9-for-30) with five RBIs, including a 2-for-3, two-RBI performance in a win over Southern on March 21.

The Jaguars hold the edge in overall record, but the Hornets have shown resilience at home, including a series sweep of Southern last month. According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest is projected to be tight, with a predicted final score of Alabama State 5, South Alabama 4.

Following this game, South Alabama travels to Georgia Southern for a three-game Sun Belt series starting Friday. Alabama State opens Southwestern Athletic Conference play on the road at Alabama A&M, also beginning Friday.