Preview: Longwood Looks to Continue Hot Start in Big South Series at Gardner-Webb

SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — The surging Longwood Lancers will aim to build on their strong start to Big South Conference play when they face the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in an afternoon game Saturday at John Henry Moss Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for Saturday afternoon under clear skies with temperatures near 59 degrees.

Longwood (14-4, 1-0 Big South) opened the three-game conference series with a 3-1 victory Friday night. The Lancers have won 10 of their last 12 games overall, showcasing one of the league’s most potent offenses.

A key catalyst has been Jon Howard. The Lancers’ standout went 3 for 5 with two home runs and three RBIs in an 11-1 win over George Mason on Tuesday. In his last 10 games, Howard has four homers and 11 RBIs, though his production has been inconsistent, including three hitless contests during that stretch.

Gardner-Webb (10-8, 0-1) looks to even the series after seeing its three-game win streak snapped Friday. The Runnin’ Bulldogs have shown resilience in close games this season, with three of their last five wins coming by one run.

Drew Ripepi provides a spark for Gardner-Webb. He delivered a pinch-hit, two-run homer in Tuesday’s narrow 11-10 loss at Davidson and is 4 for 7 with five RBIs over his last five appearances, primarily off the bench.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this matchup projects as a high-scoring affair, with a predicted final of Longwood 8, Gardner-Webb 7.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon in Shelby.