Southern Mississippi at James Madison
HARRISONBURG, Va. (Interstat) — Southern Mississippi will attempt to complete a three-game sweep of James Madison on Sunday afternoon at Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park.
The Golden Eagles (36-14, Sun Belt) have dominated the series, winning 11-1 on Saturday and 8-5 on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon. The forecast calls for 70-degree temperatures and clouds.
Southern Mississippi’s pitching staff has been formidable, led by right-hander Camden Clark. In his last appearance — Saturday’s victory over the Dukes — Clark threw six shutout innings, allowing no hits and striking out nine. Over his past four outings, Clark has posted a 2.37 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 19 innings.
The Golden Eagles also feature a potent lineup. In Saturday’s win, center fielder Joey Urban went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs, and right fielder Ben Higdon added a home run and three RBIs.
James Madison (20-28) is searching for answers after dropping six of its last seven games. The Dukes have managed only six runs in the series.
Right-hander Max Kuhle is expected to take the mound for James Madison. Kuhle has struggled recently, allowing one earned run on two hits in two innings of relief Saturday. Over his last three appearances, he has a 4.76 ERA with two strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.
The Dukes’ bullpen has been taxed. In Saturday’s loss, three relievers combined to allow seven earned runs over 5 2/3 innings.
A computer simulation projects an 8-4 Southern Mississippi victory.
The Golden Eagles will return home next week to host Georgia Southern for a three-game series beginning Thursday. James Madison will travel to Old Dominion for a three-game set starting Thursday.