Preview: Lehigh at Davidson

DAVIDSON, N.C. (Interstat) — The Lehigh Mountain Hawks and Davidson Wildcats, both seeking momentum early in the season, open a three-game series Friday afternoon at T. Henry Wilson, Jr. Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 76 degrees.

Lehigh (2-6) arrives after being shut out 3-0 at George Mason last Sunday. Davidson (4-7) looks to rebound from a 16-6 loss at Wake Forest the same day.

The matchup features a compelling duel between Lehigh right-hander Cole Leaman and Davidson outfielder Gavin Thomas. Leaman has been dominant in his last two starts, pitching 9 1/3 combined hitless innings with 11 strikeouts. However, he received two losses as Lehigh’s offense was shut out in both games. On March 1, he threw five hitless innings with six strikeouts in a relief appearance against George Mason.

Thomas provides power for the Wildcats. He homered and drove in two runs in the loss to Wake Forest.

Both teams have struggled for consistency. Lehigh’s last win was a 6-3 victory at George Washington on Feb. 21. Since opening the season with two wins, Davidson has lost seven of its last nine games.

According to Interstat, the Wildcats are projected favorites with a 65.30% probability to win. The service’s game simulator predicts a 4-3 Davidson victory.

The series continues Saturday at Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis, North Carolina, before concluding back in Davidson on Sunday.

Probable Starters: LEHIGH: RHP Cole Leaman (Last 2 apps: 0-0, 9.1 IP, 0 H, 3 ER, 11 K) DAVIDSON: To be announced.