MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Interstat) — The surging Longwood Lancers and the Alabama State Hornets are set to open a doubleheader Saturday at Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex, with rain in the forecast and a hot-hitting projection for the visitors.

First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026. The Lancers (11-2) enter riding a five-game winning streak, including a 9-4 road victory at Richmond on Tuesday. Alabama State (6-6) looks to rebound after a 13-4 home loss to Alabama on Wednesday.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a high-scoring affair, favoring Longwood 8-5.

A key player to watch for Longwood is reliever Alex Strickland. He was dominant in his last outing, throwing 2 2/3 hitless innings with three strikeouts against Richmond. His recent performances, however, have been uneven, allowing three earned runs over his previous two appearances spanning 1 1/3 innings.

Alabama State will look to outfielder Devin Chandler for power. He provided the Hornets’ primary offense against Alabama, hitting a three-run home run in the 13-4 loss. Chandler also homered in a 6-1 win over Valparaiso on Feb. 27.

In their most recent meeting, Alabama State shut out Longwood on Friday. The Lancers’ offense, which has scored nine runs in three of its last five games, will aim to rediscover its form.

For Longwood, Jae’dan Carter, who homered against Richmond, and pitcher Jackson Nash, who also had three strikeouts in 1 2/3 scoreless innings in that game, are coming off strong performances.

Alabama State relievers Joe Dolinshek and Owen Corbett combined for four innings of hitless relief with seven strikeouts against Alabama, providing a bright spot.

Weather could be a factor, with a game-time temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and rain expected.

Following the doubleheader, the series concludes Sunday. Longwood hosts George Mason on Tuesday, while Alabama State begins a series with Grambling next Friday.