Preview: La Salle Explorers at Clemson Tigers

CLEMSON, S.C. (Interstat) — A surging La Salle team faces its toughest test of the young season Friday afternoon when the Explorers visit nationally prominent Clemson in a nonconference baseball series opener.

The Explorers (8-2) bring a five-game winning streak into Doug Kingsmore Stadium, fresh off a three-game road sweep of Coppin State. Their most recent victory was an 8-7 win last Sunday, secured by 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief from Shawn Karpaitis.

Karpaitis, a key arm for La Salle, has been effective in two of his last three outings, allowing just one hit over 3 1/3 combined innings in those appearances. Catcher Jayden Novak drove in three runs in Sunday’s win.

They will confront a Clemson squad (11-1) that has dominated its early schedule, outscoring opponents 80-22. The Tigers are coming off a 12-1 midweek rout of Michigan State, powered by third baseman Jay Dillard’s four-RBI day, which included a home run.

Dillard provides a potent bat in the heart of a lineup that has produced double-digit runs in five games this season. Clemson’s only loss was a 7-0 shutout at South Carolina on Feb. 27.

While La Salle’s streak and offensive output — averaging 10.4 runs during its win streak — command respect, the Tigers are heavy favorites. Interstat’s ELO rating system gives Clemson a 90.7% probability to win Friday’s contest. However, the same outlet’s game simulator predicts a narrow 8-7 Explorers victory, suggesting potential for a high-scoring affair.

The game is the first of a three-game weekend set. The teams will play a doubleheader Saturday before concluding the series Sunday.