Preview: Eastern Michigan Eagles at Miami (Ohio) Redhawks

OXFORD, Ohio (Interstat) — The Miami (Ohio) Redhawks look to continue their strong start and secure a series win when they host the struggling Eastern Michigan Eagles in a Mid-American Conference matchup Saturday at Stanley G. McKie Field at Joseph P. Hayden Jr. Park.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening, with rain forecast and a temperature near 72 degrees.

The Redhawks (9-4) dominated the series opener Friday, routing the Eagles 13-3. Miami (Ohio) catcher Carson Raether led the onslaught, going 4 for 5 with five RBIs. He enters Saturday’s game as a key player to watch, having also homered twice in recent non-conference wins.

Eastern Michigan (4-10) has lost three straight and seven of its last eight. Shortstop TJ Williams, who drove in a run in Friday’s loss, has been a bright spot, recording hits in six of his last nine games.

The Eagles’ pitching staff, which allowed 13 runs on 14 hits Friday, faces a Miami (Ohio) lineup averaging over eight runs per game during its current 9-4 stretch. Redhawks starter Zac Sohosky stifled EMU on Friday, allowing one earned run over five innings.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-3 victory for Miami (Ohio).

Following Saturday’s contest, the series concludes Sunday afternoon in Oxford. Eastern Michigan travels to face Michigan State next Wednesday, while Miami (Ohio) hosts Evansville.