Dolphins Journey to Birmingham for First Assembly with UAB Since 1991

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Dolphins will cross state traces to Birmingham, Alabama this weekend for a three-game collection in opposition to the UAB Blazers. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Friday, with 2 p.m. ET begins set for Saturday and Sunday. All three video games will happen at Young Memorial Field, and shall be streamed on ESPN+.

The weekend marks the primary assembly between the applications since 1991, when the 2 had been Sun Belt foes. Jacksonville leads the all-time collection 5-4. It would be the first assembly ever performed in Birmingham.

Jacksonville enters the weekend at 8-1, its finest begin since 2008 and the strongest begin of Head Coach Chris Hayes‘  JU tenure.

The Dolphins opened the season with back-to-back four-game sweeps of Rhode Island and LIU, with their lone loss coming in a midweek matchup in opposition to No. 13 Florida State.

JU enters the collection ranked fifteenth nationally in profitable share (.889).

National Offensive Presence

Through 9 video games, the Dolphins have been probably the most productive offenses within the nation.

As of Wednesday, February twenty fifth, JU ranks:

• ninth nationally in runs scored (89)
• fifth in hits (98)
• 14th in batting common (.348)
• twelfth in on-base share (.472)
• twenty first in slugging share (.560)

Derek Bermudez has been the catalyst in the midst of the lineup, main the nation with 21 RBIs. The junior additionally ranks amongst nationwide leaders in hits and complete bases.

Freshman Cade Walter has supplied a right away impression within the lead-off spot, rating second nationally amongst freshmen with 4 residence runs. He leads the staff in runs scored (13) and walks (7).

Jonah Shields enters the weekend on a six-game hitting streak and has recorded successful in eight of 9 video games performed. He appears to be like to proceed his consistency on the plate.

Pitching Matchups

Friday’s opener options one of many prime ERAs within the nation as senior left-hander Alex Walsh (2-0, 0.96 ERA) takes the ball. Walsh has allowed simply six hits in 9.1 innings this season.

Saturday will see right-hander Payton Waters (0-0, 3.60 ERA) make his begin, whereas graduate left-hander Brendan Holland (1-0, 1.86 ERA) is slated for Sunday. Holland has struck out 10 in two begins whereas permitting simply two earned runs.

Scouting UAB

UAB enters the weekend at 5-4, closing out an eight-game homestand. The Blazers opened the season with a 9-7 win over then-No. 13 Florida and likewise run-ruled North Alabama, 15-3.

Offensively, UAB leads the American Conference in residence runs (14) and ranks second in stolen bases (19). Andrew Hunt leads the staff with a .440 common and is at present using an eight-game hitting streak.

The Blazers are 5-0 this season when scoring eight or extra runs.

Next Up

Jacksonville will journey to Tallahassee on Tuesday, March 3 for its second matchup of the season in opposition to Florida State.