Preview: Army Black Knights at VCU Rams

RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — The Army Black Knights and VCU Rams will meet for the second game of their weekend series Saturday afternoon at The Diamond, one day after VCU claimed a 4-3, 10-inning victory in the opener.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening.

Army (5-5) will look to even its record after Friday’s narrow loss, a game in which starter Andrew Berg threw 5 2/3 no-hit innings before the bullpen faltered late. Berg, a player to watch for the Black Knights, has been dominant in his last three starts, allowing just two earned runs over 19 innings while striking out 11.

VCU (6-8) rallied for the extra-inning win Friday, keyed by strong relief work from Nick Frers. The right-hander, a key player for the Rams, tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out three. He has not allowed an earned run in his last two appearances, spanning 6 2/3 innings.

The Black Knights have been inconsistent early, following a season-opening sweep at Clemson with a series win at Queens (N.C.) and a victory at South Carolina. Their pitching, led by Berg, has kept them in games.

The Rams have struggled to find consistency, dropping series to Virginia and Coastal Carolina while showing flashes, including a midweek win over William & Mary. Their bullpen, anchored by Frers, will be tested again against an Army team seeking redemption.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Army is projected to win Saturday’s contest 5-2.

The series will conclude Sunday afternoon at The Diamond.