Dartmouth Seeks Spark Against Hot Navy Squad in Wet Weekend Opener

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Interstat) — A struggling Dartmouth team will look to cool off a surging Navy squad when the Big Green visit the Midshipmen on Friday to open a three-game series at Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. under a forecast of 54-degree temperatures and rain in Cape Saint Claire.

The teams are heading in opposite directions. Navy (8-3) has won eight of its last ten games, including a tight 8-7 victory over Coppin State on Tuesday. Dartmouth (1-5) is mired in a five-game skid, most recently getting shut out 3-0 at LSU last Sunday.

All eyes will be on Dartmouth right-hander Eddie Albert, who is coming off a spectacular but hard-luck performance. Against LSU on March 1, Albert fired seven no-hit innings, allowing one earned run and striking out eight, but received no run support in the loss. His season has been a tale of two starts, however, following a rough outing at Gardner-Webb on Feb. 22 where he allowed three earned runs without recording a hit over 2 2/3 innings.

Navy will counter with a lineup powered by catcher Will Howard. Howard delivered a key performance in the Coppin State win, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. He has reached base safely in his last three appearances.

The Midshipmen’s offense has been potent during their hot stretch, scoring eight or more runs in five of their eight victories. Dartmouth’s bats have been quiet, scoring two or fewer runs in four of their six games this season.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Navy is projected to win Friday’s contest by a score of 7-1.

The series continues with a doubleheader on Saturday and a single game Sunday, weather permitting.