Braves, Golden Lions Set for SWAC Showdown Following One-Run Thriller

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (Interstat) — The Alcorn State Braves will look to snap a lengthy skid when they face the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup Saturday at Torii Hunter Baseball/Softball Complex.

First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon. The forecast calls for cloudy skies and 65 degrees.

The Golden Lions (10-17) edged the Braves 8-7 on Friday afternoon, a result emblematic of the teams’ seasons. UAPB has won four of its last seven, while Alcorn State (2-20) has lost 12 straight.

A player to watch for the Braves is pitcher Jose Cherena, who delivered 3 2/3 innings of hitless relief in Friday’s loss, allowing two earned runs. Over his last eight appearances, however, he has an 18.90 ERA.

UAPB’s offense is powered by Blake Coleman. The right fielder went 2 for 2 with two RBIs in the series opener and is batting .333 (7 for 21) with seven RBIs over his last six games.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 3-1 win for Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Following Saturday’s contest, the series concludes Sunday afternoon.