Rain Expected as Bearcats Host Tritons in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI (Interstat) — The Cincinnati Bearcats look to continue their strong start to the season when they host the UC San Diego Tritons in a non-conference baseball series opener Friday evening at Marge Schott Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under a forecast of 63-degree temperatures and rain.

The Bearcats (9-4) enter with momentum after a 5-2 road win at Western Kentucky on Tuesday. First baseman Quinton Coats powered that victory, going 4 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs. Coats has been a consistent force, homering in four of his last eight games and driving in 12 runs over that stretch.

UC San Diego (4-6) seeks to rebound after dropping three of four at Louisiana-Lafayette last weekend, including a 4-3 loss on Sunday. The Tritons were shut out 8-0 by Cincinnati in a game played Thursday.

A player to watch for the Tritons is right-hander Nathan Ries. In his last appearance on March 1, he provided 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief against Louisiana-Lafayette. He has 10 strikeouts over his last 6 2/3 innings pitched.

Cincinnati’s pitching staff has been formidable, highlighted by relievers Connor Blue and Carson Marsh combining for 6 1/3 hitless innings in the recent win over Western Kentucky.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Cincinnati 7, UC San Diego 4.

The teams are scheduled to continue the series Saturday and Sunday in Cincinnati.