Gulf South Tournament (GSC) Preview

Get ready for exciting baseball action as the Gulf South Conference Championship descends upon Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama, from May 2nd to May 6th. The top eight teams from the regular season will battle it out in a grueling double-elimination format, all vying for the coveted conference title. More than just bragging rights are on the line, as the tournament champion will secure the GSC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division II South Regional tournament, punching their ticket to the national postseason stage.

For bracket info and more: https://gscsports.org/tournaments/?id=228

Let’s breakdown the eight teams in the field.

#1 Seed Delta State

Drake Fontenot (Photo Credit: Weronika Kaczmarska)

Delta State secured the No. 1 seed in the Gulf South Conference Tournament following an impressive 23-10 performance in league play. They finished the regular season with a strong 32-16 overall record. As the top seed, they will begin their tournament journey against the No. 8 seed, Montevallo, in Game 4 on Friday evening at 7:00 PM Central time at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama.

Team Highlights:

The Statesmen present a well-rounded team profile:

• Hitting for Average: They rank Tied for 1st in the GSC for team batting average, hitting .306 collectively.

• Productive Offense: Delta State also boasts the 3rd best team OPS in the conference at .864.

• Patient at the Plate: The team exhibits discipline at the dish, ranking 3rd in the GSC for walks drawn with 217.

• Strikeouts: Their pitching staff ranks Tied for 4th in the conference for total strikeouts with 343.

• Hosing Runners: Delta State is effective at controlling the run game, ranking 3rd in the GSC for caught stealing percentage at 29.4%.

Players to Watch:

• Offense:

  • Brett Burrell: Burrell has been a major offensive force, hitting for a very high average (.398), demonstrating impressive overall production (1.146 OPS) and power (10 HR), and leading the team in RBI with 49.

  • Dylan Coleman: Coleman provides a significant impact with excellent overall production (1.054 OPS) and notable power numbers (12 HR).

• Pitching:

  • Drake Fontenot: Fontenot has anchored the pitching staff over 91.2 innings, posting a remarkably low 1.96 ERA while showing excellent command (4.11 K/BB).

  • Christian Clayson: Clayson has contributed effectively, displaying strong command (3.8 K/BB) in his appearances.

Delta State enters the GSC Tournament as the regular-season champion and top seed, bringing a productive offense (3rd in GSC OPS at .864) known for getting on base (3rd in GSC walks with 217) and a pitching staff that can rack up strikeouts (T-4th in GSC SO with 343). With key contributors like Burrell (.398 BA, 49 RBI) and Coleman (1.054 OPS) leading the lineup and Fontenot (1.96 ERA) headlining the pitching staff, the Statesmen are well-positioned for a strong tournament run in Oxford.

#2 Seed Valdosta State

Orlando Pena (Photo Credit: Hailey Wilkinson)

Valdosta State earned the No. 2 seed for the GSC Tournament, compiling a 22-10 record within the conference. Their overall record stands at 29-20 heading into the postseason. They will start their tournament run in Oxford against the No. 7 seed, Lee, during Game 2 on Friday afternoon at 1:00 PM Central time.

Team Highlights:

The Blazers show notable strengths, particularly on offense:

• High Average: They rank 5th in the GSC for team batting average, hitting .295 as a squad.

• Offensive Production: Valdosta State also possesses the 5th best team OPS in the conference at .853.

• Patience: The team shows good discipline, ranking 2nd in the GSC for walks drawn with 219.

Players to Watch:

• Offense:

  • Orlando Pena: Pena has put together a monster season, hitting for a high average (.350), providing immense power (20 HR), achieving exceptional overall production (1.175 OPS), and leading the team by a wide margin with 78 RBI.

  • Hunter Stowe: Stowe adds significant offensive punch with strong overall production (1.020 OPS) and considerable power (10 HR).

  • Pedro Moreno: Moreno is a threat on the basepaths, having swiped 20 bases this season.

• Pitching:

  • Ryan Brown: Brown has been excellent out of the bullpen, posting a very low 2.17 ERA and demonstrating outstanding command (4.40 K/BB) across 29.0 innings.

  • Hunter Booth: Booth has anchored the rotation over 78.1 innings, maintaining a low 3.45 ERA along with solid command (3.48 K/BB).

  • Dewey Brock: Brock has contributed quality innings, sporting a low 3.38 ERA in his appearances totaling 26.2 innings.

  • Zach Dodson: Dodson has eaten innings (70.2 IP) while showing good command (2.60 K/BB).

  • Drake LaRoche: LaRoche is another key starter (63.1 IP) who exhibits good control (3.15 K/BB).

Valdosta State brings a capable offense (5th GSC BA, 5th GSC OPS) that excels at drawing walks (2nd GSC BB) into the tournament. While their overall pitching numbers aren't among the conference leaders, they feature standout performers like Orlando Pena (.350 BA, 20 HR, 78 RBI) and Hunter Stowe (1.020 OPS, 10 HR) offensively, and strong arms like Ryan Brown (2.17 ERA) and Hunter Booth (3.45 ERA) on the mound. They'll look to leverage their offensive patience and key player production against Lee in their opening game.

#3 Seed West Florida

Dalton Neuschwander (Photo Credit: West Florida Athletics)

West Florida enters the GSC Tournament as the No. 3 seed after posting a 22-11 record in conference competition. They finished the regular season 31-17 overall. Their tournament starts with the opening game on Friday morning at 10:00 AM Central time, where they will face the No. 6 seed, Trevecca, at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama.

Team Highlights:

The Argonauts have excelled on the mound and in the field this season:

• Strong Arms: West Florida leads the GSC with the lowest team ERA at 4.00.

• Missin' Bats: Their pitching staff ranks Tied for 3rd in the conference for total strikeouts with 343.

• Limiting Damage: Opponents struggle to hit against Argonaut pitching, as the team holds the 2nd lowest batting average against (.260) in the league.

• Strike Throwers: The pitching staff exhibits excellent control, leading the GSC with the best K/BB ratio at 2.64.

• Flashing the Leather: West Florida boasts the best fielding percentage in the GSC at .974.

Players to Watch:

• Offense:

  • Alex Urias: Urias has been a consistent contact hitter, posting a high batting average (.370).

  • Brett Rowell: Rowell has been the primary run producer for the Argonauts, leading the team with 39 RBI.

• Pitching:

  • Dalton Neuschwander: Neuschwander has been exceptional over 63.2 innings, sporting a very low 1.98 ERA and showcasing elite command (5.70 K/BB).

  • Chase Stanhope: Stanhope has been dominant out of the bullpen across 33.2 innings, registering a stellar 2.14 ERA and good control (2.56 K/BB).

  • Jacob Heath: Heath provides durability and effectiveness, maintaining a low 3.09 ERA with excellent command (4.90 K/BB) over 64.0 innings.

  • Kade Manderscheid: Manderscheid logs significant innings (64.0 IP) while demonstrating outstanding control (7.00 K/BB).

  • Grant Adams: Adams is another key arm over 63.0 innings, showing solid command (2.55 K/BB).

West Florida rides into the GSC Tournament on the strength of the conference's top pitching staff (1st in ERA at 4.00, 2nd in BAA at .260, 1st in K/BB at 2.64) and the league's best defense (.974 FLD%). While the offense hasn't ranked among the GSC's elite, hitters like Alex Urias (.370 BA) and Brett Rowell (39 RBI) provide key contributions. With deep and effective pitching led by arms like Dalton Neuschwander (1.98 ERA), Chase Stanhope (2.14 ERA), and Jacob Heath (3.09 ERA), the Argonauts present a formidable challenge, starting with Trevecca.

#4 Seed Mississippi College

JT Vance (Photo Credit: Logan Orman)

Mississippi College enters the GSC Tournament as the No. 4 seed, having finished the conference schedule with a 21-12 record. Their overall record sits at 31-19 as they head to Oxford. Their first game is scheduled for Friday afternoon at 4:00 PM Central time against the No. 5 seed, West Alabama.

Team Highlights:

The Choctaws feature a potent offense and solid pitching and defense:

• Hitting for Average: They rank 4th in the GSC for team batting average, hitting .298 as a squad.

• Productive Offense: Mississippi College also possesses the 4th best team OPS in the conference at .878.

• Patientce: The team leads the GSC in walks drawn, earning 221 free passes this season.

• Quality Pitching: Their pitching staff has been effective, ranking 3rd in the GSC with a 4.75 team ERA.

• Whiffs: Mississippi College's arms rank 2nd in the conference for total strikeouts with 346.

• Limiting Damage: Opponents have found it relatively tough to hit Choctaw pitching, as the team holds the 3rd lowest batting average against (.271) in the league.

• Strong Defense: Defensively, they are among the league's best, ranking Tied for 2nd in fielding percentage at .973.

Players to Watch:

• Offense:

  • Korey Cooper: Cooper has been outstanding, hitting for a very high average (.376), providing power (12 HR), and excellent overall production (1.108 OPS).

  • Bryce LaRocca: LaRocca delivers significant impact with great overall production (1.037 OPS), power (12 HR), and leads the team with 56 RBI.

  • Jordan Evans: Evans combines strong overall production (1.020 OPS) and power (10 HR) with speed on the basepaths (22 SB).

  • JT Vance: Vance provides another power threat in the lineup with 13 home runs.

• Pitching:

  • Dylan Cope: Cope has posted a very low 2.43 ERA over 29.2 innings pitched.

  • Gabe Garner: Garner has shown good control over 40.2 innings, sporting a solid 2.55 K/BB ratio.

  • Caleb Peterson: Peterson is another key arm who eats innings (61.2 IP) while demonstrating good command (2.58 K/BB).

Mississippi College brings a well-rounded team to the GSC Tournament, featuring an offense that ranks 4th in both BA (.298) and OPS (.878) and leads the league in walks (221). Their pitching staff is also formidable, ranking 3rd in ERA (4.75), 2nd in strikeouts (346), and 3rd in opponent average (.271), backed by the T-2nd best defense (.973 FLD%). With multiple offensive threats like Korey Cooper (.376 BA, 1.108 OPS), Bryce LaRocca (1.037 OPS, 56 RBI), and Jordan Evans (1.020 OPS, 22 SB), and reliable arms like Dylan Cope (2.43 ERA), they are set for their opening matchup against West Alabama.

#5 West Alabama

Bryant Quimby (Photo Credit: Trey Deason)

West Alabama enters the GSC Tournament as the No. 5 seed, holding an overall record of 26-22 and a conference record of 17-15.  

Team strengths include their pitching and defense. They boast one of the lowest team ERAs in the conference (4.39) and rank among the GSC's best in both fielding percentage (0.973) and caught stealing percentage (0.302).

Key players to watch for West Alabama include:

• Joe Watkins: Hit 10 home runs, drove in 35 runs, and posted a 1.006 OPS.  

• Blake Vineyard: Drove in 35 runs, tied for the team lead. 

• Bryant Quimby: Pitched to a 2.75 ERA and maintained a 2.65 K/BB ratio.  

• Maxwell Schumacher: Posted a 2.80 K/BB ratio.  

• Baker Green: Maintained a 2.55 K/BB ratio.  

West Alabama will open their tournament run against No. 4 seed Mississippi College on May 2nd at 4:00 PM Central Time.

#6 Seed Trevecca Nazarene 

Joey Parliment (Photo Credit: Wes Sharpe)

Trevecca Nazarene earned the No. 6 seed for the Gulf South Conference Tournament after compiling a 17-16 record in conference action in their first season in the conference. They finished the regular season with a 22-25 overall mark. As the sixth seed, they are set to face the No. 3 seed, West Florida, in the tournament's opening game (Game 1) on Friday morning at 10:00 AM Central time at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama.

Team Highlights: T

he Trojans feature a potent offense, ranking Tied for 1st in the GSC for team batting average by hitting .306 collectively, and boasting the best team OPS in the conference at .870.

Players to Watch: Offense:

• Joey Parliment: Parliment leads the offensive charge, hitting for a high average (0.374 BA), demonstrating exceptional overall production (1.093 OPS), leading the team in home runs (14 HR), and pacing the squad with 40 RBI.

• Cole McCallum: McCallum is another key offensive piece, hitting for a very high average (0.380 BA) and contributing excellent overall production (1.062 OPS).

Pitching:

• Logan Harrell: Harrell has shown good command in his innings pitched, posting a 2.92 K/BB ratio over 32.2 innings.

• Spencer Wilkins: Wilkins has been a workhorse over 65.1 innings and exhibits strong command with a 3.00 K/BB ratio.

Trevecca enters the GSC Tournament with the league's most productive offense, leading the conference in both team batting average (T-1st, .306) and OPS (1st, .870). Spearheaded by Joey Parliment (0.374 BA, 1.093 OPS, 14 HR, 40 RBI) and Cole McCallum (0.380 BA, 1.062 OPS), the Trojans possess the firepower to compete with anyone. Key pitchers like Spencer Wilkins (3.00 K/BB over 65.1 IP) and Logan Harrell (2.92 K/BB over 32.2 IP) will look to control opposing lineups as Trevecca aims for a tournament run in Oxford.

#7 Seed Lee 

Colt McKibben (Photo Credit: Rhegan Watkins)

Lee University enters the Gulf South Conference Tournament as the No. 7 seed, having finished the conference schedule with a 16-17 record and an overall record of 24-24. Their first matchup in the tournament will be against the No. 2 seed, Valdosta State, in Game 2 on Friday afternoon at 1:00 PM Central time at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama.  

Team Highlights: 

The Flames showcase strengths in specific areas: they are aggressive on the basepaths, leading the conference as the Top 3 team in stolen bases with 107. Their pitching staff excels at limiting opponent contact, boasting the Top 3 batting average against in the GSC at .255, and they rank among the Top 5 teams for total strikeouts with 323.  

Players to Watch: 

Offense:

• Luke Collier: Collier has been a standout performer, hitting for a very high average (.393 BA) and providing excellent overall production (1.049 OPS).  

• JJ Williams: Williams leads the team in driving in runs, tallying 44 RBI.  

• Malachi Cloud: Cloud is a significant threat on the bases with 23 stolen bases.  

Pitching:

• Cooper Casteel: Casteel anchors the rotation over 71.2 innings with a low ERA (3.14 ERA) and good command (2.90 K/BB).  

• Colt McKibben: McKibben has been effective in his 34.2 innings, posting a strong ERA (2.86 ERA).  

• Ty Cobb: Cobb contributes significantly with a low ERA (3.32 ERA) across 43.1 innings pitched.  

• Will Baker: Baker provides quality innings (44.2 IP) while demonstrating solid command (2.80 K/BB).  

Lee comes into the tournament with a dangerous running game (Top 3 in GSC SB with 107) and a pitching staff adept at limiting hits (Top 3 in GSC BAA at .255) and collecting strikeouts (Top 5 in GSC SO with 323). Led offensively by players like Luke Collier (.393 BA, 1.049 OPS) and JJ Williams (44 RBI), and featuring strong pitching options such as Cooper Casteel (3.14 ERA, 2.90 K/BB over 71.2 IP) and Colt McKibben (2.86 ERA over 34.2 IP), the Flames have the tools to make noise in Oxford.

#8 Seed Montevallo 

Connor Crowson (Photo Credit: Montevallo Athletics)

Montevallo secured the No. 8 seed for the Gulf South Conference Tournament after posting a 16-17 record in league play and finishing the regular season 25-23 overall. As the eighth seed, they draw the top seed, Delta State, for their opening matchup in Game 4 on Friday evening at 7:00 PM Central time at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama.  

Team Highlights: 

The Falcons bring a strong offensive presence to the tournament, ranking among the Top 5 teams in the GSC in both team batting average (.303) and team OPS (.868). Their pitching staff also features swing-and-miss potential, ranking Top 5 in the conference for total strikeouts with 371.  

Players to Watch: 

Offense:

• Connor Crowson: Crowson powers the offense, hitting for a high average (.371 BA), producing an exceptional OPS (1.119 OPS), hitting for significant power (16 HR), and leading the team with 59 RBI.  

• McGwire Turner: Turner is a key contributor, boasting a very high batting average (.412 BA) and excellent overall production (1.074 OPS).  

• Evan Radford: Radford adds another potent bat, hitting for a high average (.351 BA), getting on base and slugging effectively (1.015 OPS), and hitting for power (12 HR).  

Pitching:

• Adiel Melendez: Melendez has been the ace, logging 85.0 innings with a very low ERA (2.22 ERA) and demonstrating excellent command (3.04 K/BB).  

Montevallo enters the postseason with an offense capable of putting up runs, ranking in the Top 5 in the GSC in both batting average (.303) and OPS (.868). The lineup features multiple dangerous hitters, including Connor Crowson (.371 BA, 1.119 OPS, 16 HR, 59 RBI), McGwire Turner (.412 BA, 1.074 OPS), and Evan Radford (.351 BA, 1.015 OPS, 12 HR). Anchored by the pitching of Adiel Melendez (2.22 ERA, 3.04 K/BB over 85.0 IP) and a staff that can generate strikeouts (Top 5 in GSC SO with 371), the Falcons will look to challenge the top seed in their opening game.