Rainy Showdown Set for Holly Springs as Purdue Hosts Marist

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (Interstat) — The Purdue Boilermakers look to continue their winning momentum against the struggling Marist Red Foxes as the teams open a three-game series Friday evening at Tennis Court.

First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. under forecasted rainy conditions and a temperature near 57 degrees.

Purdue (4-3) enters following a successful road trip, having taken two of three games at Oregon State last weekend. The Boilermakers’ most recent victory was a 5-2 win over the Beavers on Sunday.

Marist (0-6) seeks its first win of the season after being swept in consecutive road series at East Tennessee State and Vanderbilt. The Red Foxes fell 8-1 at Vanderbilt in their last outing.

A key pitching matchup is anticipated. Purdue will rely on right-hander Jarvis Evans, who delivered a strong start last Sunday. Evans (1-0) pitched 6 1/3 innings of shutout baseball with three strikeouts in the win over Oregon State.

Marist will counter with right-hander Steven Mazza, who provided a bright spot in Sunday’s loss. Mazza (0-1) tossed four hitless innings in relief, allowing two earned runs with three strikeouts against Vanderbilt.

The Boilermakers’ offense will aim to build on a season where they have averaged over five runs per game. Marist’s pitchers have struggled early, posting a team ERA over 7.00.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Purdue is projected to win 5-2.

The series continues with a doubleheader Saturday and a finale Sunday, all at the neutral site in Holly Springs.