AP Sports Preview

KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — Missouri State visits Kennesaw State on Thursday in the opener of a three-game Conference USA series at Fred Stillwell Stadium. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures near 76 degrees.

The Bears enter the matchup with a 30-17 record across all competitions, while the Owls sit at 24-24.

Missouri State comes off a 7-6 win over New Mexico State on Sunday. Right-hander Owen Slater earned the decision, allowing three earned runs on five hits with three strikeouts over 5.0 innings. Slater has been inconsistent recently, posting a 5.0-inning effort with three earned runs against Jacksonville State on May 3, but also lasting just 0.1 innings in two of his past four appearances.

For Kennesaw State, right-hander Ryan Gold is a key arm to watch. Gold tossed 4.0 scoreless innings with two strikeouts in Sunday’s 4-3 loss at Jacksonville State. He has been effective over longer outings this season, including 5.0 innings of three-hit, zero-earned run ball against Louisiana Tech on April 17. However, he has struggled in short relief, allowing two earned runs in 0.1 innings April 28 against Georgia Tech.

The Owls lost 4-3 at Jacksonville State on Sunday, dropping them back to .500. Kennesaw State has split its past 10 games.

Missouri State has won three of its past four, including back-to-back wins over New Mexico State after dropping a series to Jacksonville State earlier this month. The Bears have been streaky, losing three straight at Louisiana Tech in late April before rebounding.

The teams will play again Friday and Saturday to close the series. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-4 win for Kennesaw State.