Preview: Alabama Prepares for Weekend Series with Lipscomb in Mobile

Sophomore Keegan Thompson's career high 12 strikeouts helped lift Auburn over Alabama in the MAX Capital City Classic by a final score of 5-3 on Wednesday. The Crimson Tide's pitching struggles continued as starting pitcher Jake Hubbard gave up six hits and four runs in three innings pitched, while the entire staff allowed a total of 10 hits. Alabama made a valiant effort in a comeback bid powered by Mikey White's two triples, but the Tigers' impressive pitching was enough for them to hang on to the victory.

Now Mitch Gaspard must look to regroup his team as they prepare to take on Lipscomb in a three game series at Hank Aaron Stadium, which is home to the Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Lipscomb is currently 7-2 on the year with wins over Butler, La Salle, and Tennessee Tech. A great deal of their success is due in part because the team returned seven position starters and two starting pitchers from last season. The Bison were 2-7 through nine games last year, so their improvement and experience will benefit them as they look to take down an SEC foe.

Lipscomb's pitching rotation will play a key role in their efforts to take down Alabama. Right handed pitcher Ian Martinez-McGraw is the projected Friday starter. Martinez-McGraw has two wins in three starts and has only given up one earned run in 17.0 innings pitched. Saturday's projected starter, left handed pitcher Nick Andros, has not had the same success. Andros has allowed 11 hits in 8.2 innings pitched. Sunday's projected starter Denton Norman has one win in two starts despite allowing nine hits and seven earned runs.

The best chance for the Bison to win at least one game of the series will be to take advantage of the Tide's pitching staff. Alabama has the worst team ERA (4.08) in the SEC and has allowed 35 hits during the current three-game losing streak. They will have to watch out for Bison hitters Adam Lee, Jonathan Allison, and Grant Massey. The three players have a combined 35 hits, 23 RBI, 24 runs.

There are still high hopes for the Crimson Tide despite their recent struggles. Right fielder Casey Hughston still leads the conference in hits (26) and batting average (.542), while shortstop Mikey White has a .378 batting average of his own and leads the SEC in triples (4). Keeping their hot streak alive at the plate will be critical until Gaspard finds an answer for the current pitching issue.

Friday and Saturday's game will be played at 7:00 pm CT. The first pitch for Sunday's game will be at 2:00 pm CT. Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron will meet fans prior to the Friday matchup and throw the ceremonial first pitch.