Preview: BYU Cougars at Utah Utes

PROVO, Utah (Interstat) — The BYU Cougars look to snap a three-game skid when they visit the rival Utah Utes in a nonconference matchup Tuesday at Smith’s Ballpark.

The game, an annual rivalry contest now set within the broader Big 12 conference schedule, pits teams on different trajectories. Utah (13-8) arrives with momentum after a high-scoring 13-11 road win at Cincinnati on Sunday. The Utes have won seven of their last 10.

BYU (10-12), meanwhile, seeks to rebound from a difficult road sweep at West Virginia, capped by an 11-1 loss Saturday. The Cougars have dropped five of their last seven.

A key player to watch for BYU is center fielder Crew McChesney. He homered and drove in a run in Saturday’s loss, part of a recent power surge. In his last 10 games, McChesney has three home runs and 10 RBIs, including a 2-for-5, four-RBI performance in a 12-10 loss at West Virginia on March 20.

Utah will counter with a hot bat of its own in right fielder Bradley Navarro. He was instrumental in Sunday’s victory, going 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs. Navarro has five RBIs in his last three games.

On the mound, both teams are expected to utilize bullpen arms in the midweek contest. BYU’s Cayson Bell provided 3 2/3 innings of relief Saturday, while Utah’s Cameron Nielson recorded key outs in Sunday’s win.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Utah is projected to win 7-4.

The Utes hold a scheduling advantage, having been home in Utah since last Tuesday. The Cougars are concluding a lengthy road trip, having played their last seven games away from Provo.

Following this rivalry clash, both teams dive back into Big 12 play. Utah hosts Kansas State for a three-game series starting Friday. BYU returns home to open a series against Oklahoma State on Thursday.