PREVIEW: Air Force at Oregon State

CORVALLIS, Ore. (Interstat) — Air Force travels to Goss Stadium at Coleman Field on Friday to face Oregon State in the opener of a three-game nonconference series. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures near 59 degrees.

The Falcons (24-24) enter the matchup after splitting a four-game series with Washington State, including a 10-9 win Sunday. Air Force has alternated wins and losses over its past six outings and will look to build momentum against a powerhouse Oregon State squad.

Oregon State (41-11) has won seven of its past eight games, including an 8-3 victory over Portland on Tuesday. The Beavers hold a commanding overall record and have been dominant at home this season.

Players to watch

Air Force left fielder Luke Elmore has shown power in recent games. He went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs in the Falcons’ 10-9 win over Washington State on May 10. Over his past 10 games, Elmore has two home runs and eight RBIs.

Oregon State pitcher Connor Mendez has been effective recently. The right-hander threw 6 1/3 innings of two-hit ball with one earned run and three strikeouts in the Beavers’ 8-3 win over Portland on Tuesday. In his previous two outings, he allowed six earned runs over five innings.

Recent head-to-head

Air Force and Oregon State played to a 2-2 tie in a game Thursday.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-6 Oregon State win, with the Beavers holding an 85.3% probability of victory per the ELO system.

Up next

The teams play again Saturday in Corvallis.