Preview: Columbia Lions at West Virginia Mountaineers

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (Interstat) — The West Virginia Mountaineers look to even their series with the Columbia Lions on Saturday after dropping the opener Friday night.

First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon at Monongalia County Ballpark.

The Mountaineers (8-3) fell 7-4 to the Lions (1-4) in the first game of the weekend set. West Virginia, which had won eight of its first 10 games, will aim to rebound behind a bullpen that includes Ian Korn. The right-hander pitched three innings of one-run ball in Friday’s loss.

Columbia’s victory snapped a four-game skid to open its season. The Lions were led by a strong pitching performance from starter Alex Sotiropoulos, who threw 5 1/3 hitless innings, allowing one earned run. Sotiropoulos has now opened his season with 9 1/3 consecutive hitless innings over two appearances.

The Lions’ other wins have been scarce, with their only prior victory coming against Kansas State on Feb. 28. West Virginia has shown a potent offense at times this season, including a 19-run outburst against Ohio on Feb. 25.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 win for West Virginia on Saturday, with the Mountaineers given a 74.4% probability to win by its ELO rating system.

Following Saturday’s contest, the series concludes Sunday afternoon. West Virginia then hosts Maryland on Tuesday before opening Big 12 play at Baylor next weekend. Columbia travels to face South Florida for a four-game series beginning March 13.