TUSKEGEE, Ala. ^__ The Golden Tiger baseball team is set to hit the road for a non-conference weekend series against Tougaloo, beginning with a Saturday doubleheader at 12:00 p.m. at Earl Sanders Field.
 
The Golden Tigers enter the series with a 2-1 record, having taken two out of three games in their home-opening series against Stillman. After sweeping the doubleheader, Tuskegee fell in the series finale but showcased an impressive offensive and defensive performance throughout the weekend.
 
Tougaloo comes into the series at 1-4, looking to rebound after being swept in its season opener by the United States Sports Academy before splitting a doubleheader against Southeastern Baptist.
 
Tuskegee's offense has started strong, posting a .272 team batting average with 22 hits, 13 RBIs, and a .420 slugging percentage through its first three games. The Golden Tigers have demonstrated efficiency on the base paths, swiping 15 stolen bases in 17 attempts.
 
Leading the way offensively is James Slaughter, who is hitting .429 with five total bases and two RBIs. Rodney Mudd II has also been a key contributor, batting .429 with five total bases and a triple. John Saffold and Terry Ware are each hitting .500, providing additional depth to the lineup.
 
Ryan Morrow and Evan Jones have been critical in driving in runs, each tallying two RBIs so far this season. Jones has also provided a power presence, launching one of the team's two home runs. Scott Williams has added a key homer as well, giving Tuskegee a well-rounded offensive attack heading into the series against Tougaloo.
 
On the mound, Tuskegee's pitching staff has a 6.65 ERA over 23 innings pitched, with 19 strikeouts and 17 walks allowed. The Golden Tigers' pitching depth will be tested in the weekend doubleheader.
 
Defensively, Tuskegee has been flawless through three games, posting a 1.000 fielding percentage with 69 putouts and 27 assists.
 
Tougaloo enters the weekend seeking consistency after a tough start to the season. The Bulldogs have struggled on the mound, allowing 45 runs in their first five games while scoring just 20 runs. Their pitching staff has yet to establish a shutdown presence, giving up eight or more runs in three of their first five games.
 
Offensively, Tougaloo is led by Khilan Magee, who is batting .500 with eight hits and four RBIs, followed by Orlando Truss and Robert Powe who have both earned five hits in four games. The Bulldogs have also relied on Landon Walliams, who leads the team with five RBIs.
 
Defensively, Tougaloo has struggled with errors, committing multiple miscues in each game, leading to several unearned runs. Their fielding percentage has been a major concern and could be an area Tuskegee looks to exploit with aggressive baserunning.
 
This weekend's series presents an opportunity for Tuskegee to build on its early success and continue developing momentum before heading deeper into the season. The Golden Tigers' pitching staff will look to establish more control, while the offense aims to keep up its balanced attack.
 
The series begins with a doubleheader on Saturday at 12 p.m., followed by a single game on Sunday at 1 p.m.
 
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