Miami (Ohio) at Akron

AKRON, Ohio (Interstat) — The Miami (Ohio) Redhawks look to complete a series sweep Saturday when they visit the Akron Zips in a Mid-American Conference matchup at InfoCision Stadium.

First pitch is set for the afternoon, with the forecast calling for clouds and 63 degrees.

Miami (37-15) has dominated the series’ first two games, winning 13-3 on Friday and 17-6 on Thursday. The Redhawks have won eight of their last nine games, with the lone blemish a 11-10 loss at Western Michigan on May 3.

Right fielder Tommy Harrison has been the offensive catalyst. In Friday’s win, he went 5 for 5 with two home runs and five RBIs. Over his last 10 games, Harrison is batting .371 with four homers and 15 RBIs. He had a 2-for-6, one-homer, five-RBI performance in Thursday’s 17-6 victory.

The Redhawks’ pitching has been strong as well. Clayton Burke threw seven innings of three-run ball Friday, allowing no hits while striking out five.

Akron (20-33) has lost five straight and nine of its last 10. The Zips’ last win came May 9 at Central Michigan, a 12-10 decision.

Second baseman Blake Bowen has been a bright spot. In Friday’s loss, he went 2 for 3 with two homers and two RBIs. Over his last 10 games, Bowen is hitting .297 with three home runs and three RBIs. He also homered in Thursday’s game.

The Zips have struggled to contain Miami’s offense. In the two games this week, the Redhawks have scored 30 runs on 34 hits.

Shortstop Ignacio Gonzalez contributed Friday with two hits, including a home run and two RBIs. For Akron, shortstop Kyle McConachie had two hits in Friday’s loss.

The all-time series heavily favors Miami, and the Interstat game simulator projects an 8-2 final score in favor of the Redhawks.

Miami’s recent results include a sweep of Massachusetts last weekend (8-7, 10-8, 9-8) and a series win at Western Michigan (12-8, 11-9, with a 11-10 loss). Akron has lost series to Kent State and Central Michigan, with only the May 9 win at Central Michigan and an April 26 win at Ohio providing bright spots.

Both teams will look to carry momentum into the postseason, with the MAC tournament approaching. For Miami, another win would extend its lead in the conference standings. For Akron, a victory would provide a much-needed boost.

First pitch is set for Saturday afternoon under cloudy skies at 63 degrees.