Preview: Illinois State at Western Illinois

MACOMB, Ill. (Interstat) — The Illinois State Redbirds look to continue their winning momentum against the struggling Western Illinois Leathernecks in a nonconference matchup Thursday at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening, with a forecast of 40-degree temperatures and rain.

Illinois State (9-7) enters having won two of its last three, including an 8-5 victory at Saint Louis on Tuesday. The Redbirds’ bullpen has been a strength, highlighted by reliever Reece Clapp. The right-hander has not allowed a hit in his last 5 1/3 innings over three appearances, striking out 10. He earned the win Tuesday with two perfect innings and four strikeouts.

Western Illinois (3-12) seeks to halt a five-game skid after an 8-21 loss at Illinois on Tuesday. The Leathernecks have been outscored 65-30 during the losing streak. Offensive consistency has been an issue, but outfielder Gage Hoover provides a spark. He is coming off a 3-for-4, two-RBI performance against the Fighting Illini and had a two-homer, five-RBI game in a win over Akron on Feb. 22.

The Redbirds have found success on the road this season, while the Leathernecks are 1-9 away from Macomb. This game opens a four-game series between the in-state foes, with games continuing Friday through Sunday.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Illinois State is projected to win 4-2.

Key Players to Watch:

Illinois State: RHP Reece Clapp. The reliever has been nearly untouchable in March, providing critical shutdown innings. Western Illinois: OF Gage Hoover. The Leathernecks need his bat to awaken an offense averaging just 3.4 runs during the five-game losing streak.

Up Next:

The teams meet again Friday at Western Illinois before the series shifts to Normal, Illinois, for games Saturday and Sunday.