Preview: Alcorn State Braves at Mercer Bears

MACON, Ga. (Interstat) — The Mercer Bears, riding high with one of the nation’s best early-season records, will look to continue their dominant form when they host the struggling Alcorn State Braves in an afternoon game Saturday at Claude Smith Field.

First pitch is set for Saturday afternoon under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 80 degrees.

The matchup presents a stark contrast in trajectories. Mercer (11-2) has won 11 of its last 12 games, with its only recent blemish a 22-5 road loss to Florida State on Wednesday. The Bears’ offense has been potent, scoring five or more runs in 10 of their 13 games.

Alcorn State (1-10) seeks to halt a seven-game skid. The Braves were swept in a three-game series at Houston Christian and have been outscored 104-30 during their losing streak. They fell 15-7 to Mississippi Valley State in their most recent contest on March 1.

A player to watch for Mercer is right fielder Eli Stephens, who provided a bright spot in the Florida State loss by going 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs. For Alcorn State, reliever Hunter Bell will be a key figure. Over his last three appearances spanning six innings, Bell has allowed just one hit while striking out six, though he has been charged with four earned runs.

The teams opened their series Friday, with Mercer securing a victory.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-1 Mercer win, and its ELO rating system gives the Bears a 96.5% probability of victory Saturday.

Following the game, the series concludes Sunday afternoon at Claude Smith Field.