Hot Panthers Visit Struggling Spartans in Weekend Opener

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Interstat) — The surging Pittsburgh Panthers open a three-game series against the San Jose State Spartans on Friday, bringing one of the nation’s hottest lineups to the West Coast.

Pittsburgh (9-2) has won eight of its last nine, including a 16-2 rout of Ohio on Wednesday where the Panthers blasted four home runs. They have scored 10 or more runs in six of their victories this season.

The Spartans (4-7) have lost five of their last six, most recently an 11-5 defeat to Pacific on Tuesday. Their pitching staff has a 7.36 ERA during this six-game stretch.

A key matchup will feature Pittsburgh’s powerful offense against a San Jose State bullpen that has been frequently taxed. Panthers right fielder Lorenzo Carrier is a central figure, coming off a 3-for-3, four-RBI performance that included a home run against Ohio. Over his last seven games, Carrier is 9-for-21 (.429) with three homers and 17 RBIs.

For San Jose State, reliever Caden Duke has been a rare bright spot. In his last five appearances, the right-hander has allowed just one earned run over 4.2 innings, striking out five. He will likely be called upon to try and quiet the Panthers’ bats in middle relief.

Pittsburgh’s recent starting pitching has also been strong. Antonio Doganiero delivered 4.2 scoreless innings with six strikeouts in the midweek win.

Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-3 Pittsburgh victory.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday at Excite Ballpark before Pittsburgh heads to Santa Clara for a midweek game. San Jose State hosts California next Tuesday before opening a series with New Mexico.