Texas A&M Baseball: Alabama Preview, Schedule, and How to Watch

Alabama Pitching

The Alabama pitching staff is a far cry removed from the elite Auburn pitching duo of Casey Mize and Keegan Thompson that the Aggies faced last weekend. Alabama has the 11th highest ERA in the SEC (4.01). Looking at the numbers a bit deeper, it is not hard to see why the pitching staff struggles so mightily. Alabama’s staff as a whole surrenders the highest batting average in the SEC, surrenders the second most walks and second fewest strikeouts. Those all contribute to plenty of runs for the other team.

Most concerning for the Crimson Tide is that they do not have a traditional Friday night ace nor solid starting pitching. In fact, their starters have struggled so much that a middle reliever, Garret Suchey, leads the Tide in innings pitched this year. That’s primarily a result of having to come in early to clean up the mess left behind by the starters.

Alabama’s starting trio of Dylan Duarte, Nick Eicholt, and Jake Walters have really struggled in SEC play. The the lowest ERA amongst them being a 4.30 and the lowest batting average against them sitting at .281. Both Eicholtz and Walters really struggle with their command, giving up nearly a walk an inning (no, that is not a misprint) and have WHIP above 2.30 in SEC play.

The Bullpen

Walters is dealing with arm soreness which caused him to miss his start last weekend. He is likely to play this weekend although that has yet to be confirmed. If he were not to pitch, Sam Finnerty would be a likely candidate to take his place. He shares many of the same command issues resulting in 15 walks over 23.2 innings overall and a 6.46 ERA.

The closer Davis Vanier, has had an uneven season with the good being a .154 batting average against and 25 K’s in 15.2 innings but he has also allowed 16 free passes. A&M would be served well by taking a patient approach at the plate, as Bama has given up 72 walks in SEC play (as a reference point, Bama’s offense has only gotten 37 free passes).

Alabama Batting

The Crimson Tide are at the bottom of the SEC in many of the key offensive categories. They finished 11th or worse in batting average, runs, on base percentage, and walks. The only category in which they are in the middle of the pack is home runs with a total of 28 (with Chandler Taylor leading the way with 8). In addition to Taylor, Alexander Hunter (.305 avg, 4 HRs, 23 RBI), Cobie Vance (.309 avg, 20 RBI), Cody Henry (.292/5/14) and Tanner DeVinney (.250/4/15) will be key players to watch.

However, despite these stats looking decent, the Tide have really struggled to get much going in conference play batting .229 with integral pieces such as Taylor and Vance batting under .200. In addition to failing to bat well, Alabama is not getting on base. Only two regulars have an OBP above .300. I project that our pitching will control the Tide’s offense.