Cold, Wet Conditions Await Coppin State at Navy

CAPE SAINT CLAIRE, Md. (Interstat) — The Coppin State Eagles will look to snap a season-opening seven-game skid under harsh conditions when they visit the Navy Midshipmen on Tuesday afternoon at Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. in frigid, wet weather, with a game-time forecast of 31 degrees and rain.

The matchup features teams at opposite ends of the early-season spectrum. Navy (7-3) enters with a winning record, while Coppin State (0-7) is still searching for its first victory. The Midshipmen are coming off a 4-0 shutout of Saint Bonaventure on Sunday, while the Eagles fell 8-7 to La Salle the same day, their third straight loss to the Explorers.

A key battle will unfold on the mound. Coppin State will rely on right-hander Nicco Holland, who delivered a solid relief outing Sunday, allowing two earned runs on three hits with five strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings. For Navy, right-hander Owen Phypers is expected to start following his dominant performance last time out: a seven-inning, four-hit shutout with four strikeouts against Saint Bonaventure.

Coppin State’s offense has struggled, being shut out three times already this season. Noah Hogan, who drove in two runs Sunday, will be a focal point. Navy’s lineup is paced by center fielder John Hooten, who went 3 for 4 with an RBI in the team’s latest win.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Navy is projected to win 7-0.

Following this game, Coppin State begins a three-game home series against Mercyhurst on Friday. Navy will host Dartmouth for a four-game series starting Friday.