Preview: Michigan State at Northwestern

EVANSTON, Ill. (Interstat) — The Michigan State Spartans and Northwestern Wildcats will conclude a three-game Big Ten series under the lights Sunday at Rocky Miller Park, with wet conditions expected for the 6:30 p.m. first pitch.

The forecast calls for rain and a temperature of 51 degrees as the teams look to break a series split. Northwestern (11-15-1) evened the set with a 10-9 comeback victory Saturday, one day after Michigan State (10-18) opened with a 5-1 win.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s hot hitters. Michigan State third baseman CJ Deckinga is coming off a perfect performance Saturday, going 2 for 2 with a home run and three RBIs. Over his last 10 games, Deckinga is batting .452 (14 for 31) with four homers and 14 RBIs.

Northwestern will counter with right fielder Jackson Freeman, who also homered and drove in three runs in Saturday’s win. Freeman has provided timely power, with two homers and seven RBIs in his last five contests.

The Wildcats’ bullpen secured Saturday’s narrow victory after the Spartans’ late rally fell short. Michigan State’s Randy Seymour added three hits, including a homer, in the loss.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Michigan State is projected for a 5-3 victory in the finale.

Both teams are looking to build momentum in conference play. Following Sunday’s game, Northwestern travels to face Illinois-Chicago on Tuesday before hosting Purdue next weekend. Michigan State visits Notre Dame on Wednesday before a home series against rival Michigan.