Preview: Delaware State at Bethune-Cookman (Game 1)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Interstat) — The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats will look to continue their strong start and extend the Delaware State Hornets’ season-opening struggles when the teams meet in the first game of a doubleheader on Sunday afternoon.

The Wildcats (6-3) dominated the Hornets (0-8) 14-7 on Saturday, and statistical models heavily favor a repeat performance. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-0 Bethune-Cookman victory, while its ELO rating system gives the Wildcats an 82.1% probability to win.

Delaware State will hope for a turnaround behind pitcher Kaleb Scott, who provided a bright spot in Saturday’s loss. Scott pitched four innings of hitless relief, allowing two earned runs with two strikeouts. Finding consistent offense remains a critical issue; the Hornets have been outscored 105-27 this season and have lost by 10 or more runs four times.

Bethune-Cookman, conversely, has won six of its last eight games. Relief pitcher Logan Wirt has been effective, including 3 1/3 innings of hitless, scoreless ball against Delaware State on Saturday. The Wildcats’ lineup produced 14 runs on 13 hits in that victory.

Following this doubleheader, Bethune-Cookman faces a challenging midweek game at Miami (Fla.) on Wednesday. Delaware State continues its search for its first win before hosting Maryland-Baltimore County next Wednesday.

First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. A second game will follow in the evening.