Preview: Louisiana-Monroe at Appalachian State

BOONE, N.C. (Interstat) — A Sun Belt Conference series opener Friday features two teams looking to build momentum as the season’s second half approaches when the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks visit the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under clear skies with temperatures near 58 degrees.

Louisiana-Monroe (19-15) enters after a 9-4 midweek win over Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday. The Warhawks have won three of their last four but are just 4-6 in their last 10 contests. Appalachian State (16-14) rides a hotter streak, having won four straight, including an 18-5 road rout of UNC Asheville on Tuesday where the Mountaineers blasted five home runs.

A key matchup will feature Louisiana-Monroe’s bullpen, led by reliable right-hander Cash Dabbs, against Appalachian State’s potent offense, sparked by two-way standout Steven Smith.

Dabbs has been a workhorse for ULM, making seven appearances in the last 15 days. He was sharp last time out, throwing four scoreless innings with five strikeouts against Mississippi Valley State. Over his last five outings, he has allowed just one earned run in 11 innings.

Smith provides a unique threat for the Mountaineers. The shortstop and occasional pitcher is coming off a huge performance at UNC Asheville, going 4 for 6 with two home runs and three RBIs at the plate while also tossing a scoreless inning on the mound. He is 11 for 28 (.393) with nine RBIs over his last seven games.

According to Interstat, the Mountaineers are projected favorites with a 62.3% probability to win. The service’s game simulator predicts a narrow 6-5 victory for Appalachian State.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday in Boone.