Preview: Pacific Tigers at Sacramento State Hornets

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Pacific Tigers visit the Sacramento State Hornets in a nonconference baseball matchup at John Smith Field.

The Tigers (6-9) and Hornets (5-10) enter with nearly identical records, both looking to build on rare recent victories. Pacific snapped a three-game skid with an 11-5 win at San Jose State on March 3, while Sacramento State comes off a series win at then-LSU, capped by a 6-1 victory Sunday.

A key rematch is in focus. These teams last met on Feb. 25 in Stockton, where Pacific edged Sacramento State 8-7. Tigers reliever Liam Smith earned the win in that game despite allowing five earned runs over 1 1/3 innings.

Smith, a player to watch for Pacific, has since moved into a starting role with mixed results. In his last start on March 8, he held a powerful Nevada lineup hitless over 3 2/3 innings but was charged with two earned runs. He followed a strong six-inning start against San Jose State on March 3.

For the Hornets, right-hander Carson Timothy is coming off a dominant performance. On March 8 at LSU, Timothy pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and striking out four to secure the win. He has allowed only one earned run over his last 10 2/3 innings of work.

Both bullpens will be tested. Pacific’s Elias Valdez has provided stability, while Sacramento State’s Trevor Wilson closed the LSU series with 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.

Offensively, Pacific will look to second baseman Rylan Evans, who drove in a run in the Nevada series. Sacramento State’s Michael Perazzo came off the bench to deliver a key three-RBI hit in the series finale at LSU.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Wednesday’s contest is projected to be a tight 4-3 victory for Pacific.

The game is the first of four consecutive meetings between the in-state foes this week. The series shifts to Pacific for games on Saturday and Sunday after a second game in Sacramento on Friday.

First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. PDT.