Preview: Fresno State Bulldogs at Arizona Wildcats

TUCSON, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Fresno State Bulldogs, riding a wave of early-season momentum, visit the struggling Arizona Wildcats for a three-game series opener Friday at Hi Corbett Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time under clear skies with a game-time temperature near 69 degrees.

The Bulldogs (7-4) enter having won five of their last six, including a 2-0 shutout of Sacramento State on Tuesday where three pitchers combined for a four-hitter. Fresno State’s bullpen has been a strength, and a key arm to watch is right-hander Douglas Crystal. The reliever has been sharp, allowing just two hits and one earned run over his last 6 1/3 innings across four appearances, striking out six.

Conversely, Arizona (3-9) looks to halt a skid after falling 7-5 to Grand Canyon on Tuesday. The Wildcats have lost nine of their last 11. Their bullpen has provided bright spots, notably reliever Maclain Roberts. Over his last three outings, Roberts has thrown 7 innings without allowing an earned run, surrendering just one hit and striking out 12 batters.

The teams present a stark contrast in trajectory. Fresno State’s offense erupted for 26 runs in a series win at Stanford last weekend. Arizona’s lineup has struggled for consistency, scoring three or fewer runs in six of its nine losses.

Projections for the opener are split. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 7-2 Fresno State victory. However, the same service’s ELO rating system gives Arizona a 69.9% probability to win, suggesting underlying strength of schedule may favor the Wildcats.

For Arizona, first baseman Tony Lira, who went 3-for-5 with an RBI in the midweek loss, will be relied upon to spark the offense.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday at Hi Corbett Field before both teams embark on busy stretches. Fresno State visits Cal Poly next Tuesday, while Arizona travels to face rival Arizona State.