AP Sports Preview: Wichita State at South Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — Wichita State visits South Florida on Thursday night in an American Athletic Conference series opener, with the Bulls seeking to end a three-game losing streak and the Shockers aiming to build on a series victory.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at USF Baseball Stadium. The forecast calls for clear skies and 80 degrees.

South Florida (30-20) enters the game having lost its last three, most recently a 9-5 defeat at Tulane on Sunday. The Bulls have dropped six of their last eight overall. South Florida’s pitching staff has struggled recently, allowing 27 runs over the three-game series in New Orleans. Right-hander Ethan Sutton is a key pitcher to watch. Sutton (6.0 IP, 0 H, 3 ER, 4 K in his last start) has been used primarily in relief, with mixed results. Over his last five outings spanning 11.2 innings, Sutton has allowed 11 earned runs.

Wichita State (24-25) won its last game, defeating Florida Atlantic 4-1 on Sunday behind a dominant start from right-hander Johnny Nuanez. Nuanez threw 5.0 shutout innings, allowing two hits with five strikeouts. He has been sharp in three of his last four appearances, including a 4.0-inning scoreless outing April 19 against East Carolina. The Shockers have won two of their last three after dropping three of four at Texas-San Antonio earlier this month. Wichita State’s bullpen has been a strength, with relievers Reese Kortum (3.2 IP, 0 ER, 4 K on Sunday) and Brady Pacha providing key innings.

The teams will play a three-game series through Saturday. The Interstat game simulator projects a 3-2 Wichita State victory.