Braves, Golden Lions Open SWAC Series in Pine Bluff

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (Interstat) — The Alcorn State Braves will look to snap a six-game skid when they visit the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions to open a Southwestern Athletic Conference series Friday evening.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Torii Hunter Baseball/Softball Complex under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 84 degrees.

The Braves (2-19) enter having lost 12 of their last 13 games, including a three-game sweep by Bethune-Cookman last weekend where they were outscored 37-6. Their most recent win was an 8-6 victory at Alabama A&M on March 14.

The Golden Lions (9-17) have dropped four of their last five but took a conference series from Mississippi Valley State two weeks ago. They are coming off a 7-1 midweek loss at Arkansas-Little Rock.

A key matchup could feature relievers. Alcorn State’s Caden Wade has been a bright spot, not allowing an earned run in five of his last seven appearances. Over his last 5 1/3 innings, he has surrendered just one hit while striking out three.

UAPB will counter with Jack Hasten, who has shown swing-and-miss ability. He struck out four over four hitless innings of relief Tuesday and tossed five scoreless frames against Eastern Illinois on March 17.

In their last outing, Alcorn State managed just five hits in a 12-2 loss to Bethune-Cookman. Adrian Vallescorbo and Christian Dunn each drove in a run.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 3-1 victory for the Golden Lions.

The series continues with games Saturday and Sunday in Pine Bluff.