AP Sports Preview

MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Michigan Wolverines and Minnesota Golden Gophers play the decisive game of their three-game Big Ten series Sunday afternoon at Siebert Field. First pitch is set for an afternoon start. The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-6 Minnesota victory.

Michigan (31-18) and Minnesota (30-19) split the first two games. Minnesota won 13-1 on Friday. Michigan rallied for a 9-8 victory Saturday to even the series. The winner claims the series.

Players to Watch

Michigan reliever Slade Moore has been dominant in recent outings. In Saturday’s win, Moore pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out three. Over his last seven appearances, Moore has surrendered only two earned runs in 9 1/3 innings, with 14 strikeouts and no hits allowed in each outing.

Minnesota first baseman Jack Bello enters Sunday on a tear. Bello went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs in Saturday’s loss. In Friday’s 13-1 victory, he was 4 for 4 with a homer and three RBIs. Over his last three games, Bello is 6 for 12 with two home runs and six RBIs.

Series History

Saturday’s game featured strong performances beyond Moore. Michigan catcher Noah Miller went 3 for 5 with three RBIs. For Minnesota, center fielder Easton Richter hit a home run and drove in three runs.

Weather

The forecast calls for temperatures near [blank] degrees at first pitch.

Upcoming Schedules

Michigan hosts Ohio on Tuesday, then begins a three-game series against Ohio State on Thursday. Minnesota hosts Nebraska for a three-game series starting Thursday.