Preview: Utah Utes at Kansas Jayhawks

LAWRENCE, Kan. (Interstat) — The Kansas Jayhawks will look to complete a series sweep of the Utah Utes in a weather-impacted Big 12 conference matchup Saturday at Hoglund Ballpark.

First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon, though evening rain and a forecast of 72 degrees could affect play. The game concludes a three-game set.

Kansas (21-10, 4-4 Big 12) has powered its way to victories in the first two contests, winning 14-12 on Thursday and 14-9 on Friday. The Jayhawks’ offense has been potent, scoring 28 runs on 30 hits in the series.

Kansas is projected to start right-hander Mathis Nayral (5-0, 4.15 ERA), who earned the win Friday with five innings of work, allowing three hits and one earned run while striking out four. In his previous start, he threw seven no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts at Cincinnati on March 28.

Utah (16-12, 6-5) will try to salvage the series finale and halt a two-game skid. A player to watch for the Utes is reliever Landon Salvesen, who has provided stability out of the bullpen. Over his last six appearances, spanning 4.1 innings, he has not allowed an earned run. In Friday’s loss, he threw 1.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

Offensively for Utah, third baseman Daniel Arambula hit a home run in Friday’s contest. For Kansas, designated hitter Max Soliz Jr. and left fielder Brady Ballinger each drove in three runs Friday.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Kansas 7, Utah 5.

Following the series, Utah travels to face Utah Tech on Tuesday. Kansas will visit in-state rival Nebraska on Tuesday.