Preview: Washington Huskies at Indiana Hoosiers

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Interstat) — The Indiana Hoosiers look to secure a series win when they host the Washington Huskies in a Big Ten Conference baseball matchup Saturday at Bart Kaufman Field.

First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon, though forecasts call for rain and a temperature of 74 degrees.

Indiana (6-7) took the series opener Friday afternoon, 4-2. The Hoosiers will send right-hander Tony Neubeck to the mound. Neubeck earned the win in that game, striking out nine over six innings while allowing two runs on five hits. In his previous start on Feb. 27, he held a powerful LSU lineup to one run over 5 1/3 innings without allowing a hit, though he took the loss.

Washington (3-10) will counter with left-hander Noah Kenney, who was dominant despite taking the loss Friday. Kenney did not allow a hit over six innings, but three walks, two hit batters and an error led to three unearned runs. He struck out seven. The junior has been inconsistent this season, following a five-inning, eight-strikeout shutout performance on Feb. 20 with a rough outing allowing five earned runs against San Diego State a week later.

The Huskies’ offense, which managed just five hits Friday, will need more production to avoid falling further in the standings. Designated hitter Jackson Hotchkiss provided a bright spot, going 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs.

Indiana’s bullpen was sharp in relief of Neubeck on Friday, with Gavin Seebold and Jackson Yarberry combining for three scoreless innings to close out the win.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Indiana 5, Washington 2.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon.