It's time. SWAC Time.

Southwestern Athletic Conference play is set to begin for the Jackson State baseball team as the Tigers will host Alabama A&M this weekend at Braddy Field.  
Game times are Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m., with the broadcasts on the Jackson State Sports Network.

Jackson State has won 12 of 15 games to begin the 2023 season and is the top-ranked team in the latest Black College Nines poll. Despite coming off a shutout loss at Louisiana Tuesday night, the pitching staff was up to the challenge, limiting the defending Sun Belt champions to only four hits and none over the final five innings.

JSU ranks fourth in the SWAC in earned run average (6.10), second in earned runs allowed (84), and first in both fewest hits allowed (108) and lowest batting average against (.235).

Jackson State's weekend rotation has combined for a 7-1 record to begin the season. Jesse Caver (3-1, 1.44 ERA) has struck out 24 batters in 25 innings pitched, highlighted by a 10-strikeout complete game win at Alcorn Mar. 3. Christian Womble (2-0, 4.12 ERA) has struck out 26 batters in 19 2/3 innings, including an 11-strikeout game vs. Miss. Valley Feb. 18. Colby Guy (2-0, 8.04 ERA) has fanned 20 batters in 15 2/3 innings, with a 10-strikeout game vs. Prairie View Feb. 19.

From the bullpen, closer Erick Gonzalez is 1-0 with three saves and a 1.26 ERA, with 20 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings. Jonah Posey is 2-0 with one save and a 1.59 ERA, with 18 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings. The JSU pitching staff has yet to allow a run after the seventh inning this season.

Offensively, Ty Hill ranks fourth in the SWAC in batting average (.442) and has reached base in 24 straight games dating to last season.

Alabama A&M (7-8, 0-0), the fourth-ranked team in the BCN poll, is coming off losing a three-game weekend series at Northwestern St. Jalen Parker leads the Bulldogs and ranks fifth in the SWAC in batting average (.435). Jackson Hall (2-1 in five starts) is fourth in the SWAC in ERA (2.35) and tied for third in strikeouts (36 in 23 innings).

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