South Florida at Tulane
NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — South Florida visits Tulane on Sunday afternoon at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, aiming for a series sweep in an American Athletic Conference matchup.
The Bulls (30-18) enter the game after a 16-6 rout of the Green Wave on Friday, the opener of a three-game set. Saturday’s game was postponed. South Florida’s offense has been potent, averaging 6.8 runs over its last 10 games. Tulane (23-28) has lost four straight and eight of its last 10.
First pitch is scheduled for early evening. The forecast calls for rain and 68-degree temperatures, raising the possibility of a weather delay in the indoor venue.
South Florida first baseman Nate Earley has been a driving force. In Friday’s win, he went 5-for-6 with a home run and five RBIs. Over his last nine games, Earley is batting .364 with two homers and eight RBIs. He has hit safely in six of his previous eight contests.
Tulane first baseman Trent Liolios also homered Friday, going 2-for-5 with three RBIs. He is 7-for-35 (.200) over his last 10 games, but has shown power with two home runs and four RBIs in that span. Liolios has struggled against South Florida pitching, striking out in three of his five at-bats in the series opener.
The Bulls send right-hander Edwin Alicea to the mound. Alicea tossed four scoreless innings in relief Friday, allowing no hits and striking out five.
Interstat’s game simulator projects a 4-2 South Florida victory.
South Florida concludes the series Sunday before hosting Wichita State on May 14. Tulane travels to Rice for a three-game series starting May 14.