Preview: Utah Valley at Stanford

PALO ALTO, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum will conclude a four-game series when the Utah Valley Wolverines visit the Stanford Cardinal on Monday afternoon at Klein Field at Sunken Diamond.

First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. PDT under clear skies with a temperature near 61 degrees.

Both teams enter with nearly identical records. Utah Valley is 9-11 overall, while Stanford is 9-12. The Cardinal, however, has taken the first three games of this series, including a 17-10 offensive outburst on Sunday and a 4-3 win on Saturday.

Stanford’s offense was powered in Sunday’s win by third baseman JJ Moran, who went 2 for 5 with a home run and a career-high six RBIs. Moran is a key player to watch, carrying a hot bat from the weekend after driving in eight runs over the last two games.

For the Wolverines, catcher Mason Strong provides a consistent threat. He homered and drove in two runs in Sunday’s loss. Over his last 10 games, Strong has three home runs and 11 RBIs, making him Utah Valley’s most dangerous hitter in the heart of the order.

The series has been defined by offense, with the teams combining for 34 runs on Sunday. Stanford’s lineup, featuring Moran, shortstop Charlie Bates and first baseman Rintaro Sasaki, has proven deep. Utah Valley will look to Strong and right fielder Kaden Carpenter, who also homered Sunday, to keep pace.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Utah Valley is projected to break through with a 6-3 victory in the series finale.

Following Monday’s game, Stanford will prepare for a road series at Virginia Tech beginning Friday. Utah Valley’s next action is a home game against Utah on March 31 before opening Western Athletic Conference play at Cal State Bakersfield on April 2.