Preview: Utah Valley at Air Force

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Interstat) — The Air Force Falcons, riding momentum from a series win, host the Utah Valley Wolverines in a non-conference matchup Monday evening at Falcon Baseball Field.

The Falcons (15-18) enter having taken two of three from Fresno State, including a 10-5 victory Sunday. Their bullpen has been a key strength, highlighted by reliever Sam Hentges. Over his last seven appearances, Hentges has allowed just one earned run in 9.1 innings, striking out 11 while surrendering only two hits.

Utah Valley (11-19) looks to rebound after dropping two of three at Sacramento State, including a 9-5 loss Saturday. The Wolverines will rely on reliever Maddax Peck, who has been excellent lately. In his last three outings spanning 6.2 innings, Peck has given up just one run on two hits while striking out six.

The weather forecast calls for cloudy skies and a first-pitch temperature near 52 degrees.

Offensively, Utah Valley’s Derek Houston provided power in the last game with a home run and two RBIs. Air Force’s lineup is coming off a 15-run performance Saturday, showing its potential.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final is Air Force 4, Utah Valley 2.

This game opens a brief two-game midweek series, with the second contest scheduled for Tuesday. Air Force then heads to Grand Canyon for a weekend series, while Utah Valley returns home to host Utah Tech.