Preview: Kent State at Wright State

DAYTON, Ohio (Interstat) — A surging Kent State team will look to extend its winning streak against a struggling Wright State squad when the Golden Flashes visit the Raiders for a nonconference matchup Wednesday at Woerner Field.

First pitch is scheduled for late afternoon under cloudy skies with temperatures near freezing.

The Golden Flashes (5-2) arrive with momentum, having won two of three games on the road against then-Tennessee, including a 9-5 victory Sunday. Kent State’s pitching was dominant in the series finale, with reliever Evan Holewinski delivering 4 2/3 hitless innings. Holewinski, a key arm out of the bullpen, is a player to watch after his stellar performance in Knoxville.

In contrast, Wright State (1-5) seeks to halt a four-game skid following a weekend sweep at Charlotte. The Raiders’ bullpen has been taxed, and reliever Warren Hartzell will aim for a rebound after allowing four earned runs without surrendering a hit over four innings in Sunday’s 9-2 loss.

Offensively, Kent State’s Max Humphrey drove in two runs in the Sunday win, part of a lineup that has averaged over seven runs per game in its last five contests. Wright State’s Hunter Warren provided a bright spot with a home run in the Charlotte series.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Kent State is projected to win 6-2.

The game serves as a final tune-up before weekend series for both clubs. Kent State returns home to host Rhode Island for four games starting Friday. Wright State hits the road for a three-game set at Campbell beginning Friday.