Preview: Maryland Terrapins at Troy Trojans

TROY, Ala. (Interstat) — The Maryland Terrapins, riding a three-game winning streak, will open a weekend series against the Troy Trojans at Riddle–Pace Field on Friday.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 71 degrees Fahrenheit.

Maryland (7-3) enters with momentum after a 7-3 road win at Delaware on Wednesday. Key performers in that victory included reliever Landon Edwards, who threw two hitless innings with two strikeouts, and first baseman Ryan Costello, who went 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs.

The Terrapins’ bullpen could be a factor, with Edwards serving as a player to watch. The right-hander has been effective in two of his last three outings, including his scoreless appearance Wednesday.

Troy (5-7) looks to rebound after a 4-1 loss at Vanderbilt on the same day. The Trojans’ pitching kept them in that game, with reliever Brock Tapper delivering 2 1/3 hitless innings and striking out three. Tapper, another reliever to watch, has not allowed a hit in his last 4 2/3 innings of work across two appearances.

The series marks the first meeting between the programs. Maryland’s early schedule has featured high-scoring affairs, including a 15-14 win over Delaware and a 21-4 rout of Wagner. Troy has experienced volatility, with wins over Georgia and Mercer but also lopsided losses to Campbell and Mississippi State.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Maryland is projected to win Friday’s opener 8-5.

The teams will meet again Saturday and Sunday to complete the three-game set before Maryland travels to face West Virginia and Troy heads to Alabama for midweek contests next Tuesday.