Rainy MAC Opener Awaits Broncos, Zips in Akron

AKRON, Ohio (Interstat) — The Western Michigan Broncos and Akron Zips will open Mid-American Conference play under rainy skies Friday evening at InfoCision Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT in a matchup of teams looking to build momentum. The forecast calls for temperatures near 59 degrees with rain.

Western Michigan (4-7) arrives after splitting a four-game road series at Cal State Northridge, capped by a 10-5 victory last Sunday. The Broncos’ offense was powered in that win by right fielder Connor Ostrander, who went 2 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs. Ostrander is a key bat for WMU, though he followed that performance with an 0-for-4 outing in the series’ second game.

Akron (6-7) looks to rebound from a 14-11 midweek home loss to Dayton on Wednesday. Third baseman Brennan Morgan provided a bright spot, driving in two runs on two hits. Morgan has been productive lately, collecting four RBIs in a game at North Carolina A&T last Saturday.

The simulation service Interstat projects a 6-4 victory for the Zips. However, its ELO rating system gives Western Michigan a 62.8% probability to win, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the conference opener.

Western Michigan’s recent results show volatility, with wins of 11-1 and 10-5 bookending a 16-1 loss at UNLV last week. Akron has shown similar flashes, sweeping a doubleheader at North Carolina A&T before the high-scoring loss to Dayton.

The three-game series continues Saturday and Sunday afternoons in Akron.