Preview: Central Michigan at Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (Interstat) — The Central Michigan Chippewas and Bowling Green Falcons will meet Sunday afternoon to decide their Mid-American Conference series after splitting the first two games at Warren E. Steller Field.

First pitch is scheduled for Sunday afternoon under clear skies with a temperature near 52 degrees.

The Chippewas (11-18, 1-1 MAC) evened the series with a 5-0 victory Saturday behind a dominant pitching performance. The Falcons (12-15, 1-1) took the opener 5-4 on Friday.

Central Michigan will look to carry momentum from Saturday’s shutout, powered by starter Hayden Bailey. The right-hander threw six no-hit innings with six strikeouts in the win. Over his last five starts, Bailey has allowed just nine earned runs in 31 innings, though he has been prone to occasional high-walk outings.

Bowling Green will counter with right-hander Ethan Stade, who started against the Chippewas on Saturday. Stade took the loss despite striking out eight over six innings. He has been inconsistent this season, mixing outings with double-digit strikeouts and high run totals.

At the plate, Central Michigan’s Harrison Bowman provided the key hit Saturday with a two-run homer. Bowling Green’s offense, held to just one hit in the loss, will aim to rebound after scoring five runs on Friday.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Bowling Green is projected to win 6-3.

Following Sunday’s series finale, Central Michigan hosts Milwaukee on Monday. Bowling Green welcomes Dayton on Tuesday.