GARDNER-WEBB HOSTS PRESBYTERIAN IN BIG SOUTH SERIES OPENER

SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — Gardner-Webb welcomes Presbyterian to John Henry Moss Stadium on Thursday for the opener of a three-game Big South series, with first pitch set for 6 p.m. The forecast calls for 77 degrees and cloudy skies.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs (23-29) enter the game as heavy favorites, with Interstat’s ELO system projecting a 62.7% win probability and a 4-1 final score.

Gardner-Webb will look to rebound from a 11-1 loss at Charlotte on Tuesday. A bright spot in that defeat was right-hander Trey Graydon, who tossed three scoreless, hitless innings with two strikeouts in relief. Graydon, a key arm out of the bullpen, will be a player to watch.

Presbyterian (11-41) has struggled mightily, losing 10 of its last 11 games. The Blue Hose are coming off a 14-3 loss to Western Carolina on Tuesday. Right-hander Jeremiah Hampton, who worked two innings of one-run relief with three strikeouts in that game, has been a consistent presence. Over his past four appearances, Hampton has posted a 4.50 ERA across six innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits with six strikeouts.

Presbyterian is 1-8 in its last nine games, with the lone win coming May 8 against USC Upstate. Gardner-Webb has lost four of its last five, including a sweep at USC Upstate on May 1-3.

The series continues Friday and Saturday in Shelby.