PREVIEW: Cal Poly at Cal State Fullerton

FULLERTON, Calif. (Interstat) — Cal Poly visits Cal State Fullerton on Friday night at Goodwin Field in a Big West series opener, with both teams seeking to build momentum after lopsided midweek defeats.

The Mustangs (27-20) enter the three-game set riding a recent surge, having won seven of their last 10. Cal Poly dropped Tuesday’s nonconference game at Santa Clara 11-4, but prior to that took two of three at UC Irvine, including an 11-2 victory and an 8-6 win. The Mustangs’ offense has been potent, averaging nearly six runs per game in their last 10 contests.

Right-hander Erik Kvidahl is a pitcher to watch for Cal Poly. In Tuesday’s loss, he tossed two scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out two. Kvidahl has been effective in relief, and his ability to keep runners off base could be crucial in tight spots.

The Titans (20-25) have struggled recently, dropping five of their last six. Fullerton lost Tuesday at Southern California 13-4, and before that was swept at home by UC Davis. The Titans’ pitching staff has been vulnerable, surrendering double-digit runs in two of their last four games.

Reliever Ryan Seo has been a bright spot for Fullerton. Over his last five appearances, he has thrown 4 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out eight. In Tuesday’s loss to USC, Seo worked 1 1/3 innings, striking out four without allowing a hit.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-2 Cal Poly victory. The Mustangs’ offense, led by Kvidahl’s recent form, could exploit a Titans staff that has allowed 33 runs over its last four games.

Fullerton will look to shortstop Cameron Kim and right fielder Paul Contreras, who each homered and drove in a run Tuesday.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday, both at Goodwin Field. Following this weekend, Cal Poly visits Fresno State on Tuesday, while Fullerton travels to UC San Diego for a three-game set starting May 14.