Preview: Struggling Oakland Visits Texas A&M in Weekend Finale

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Interstat) — The nation’s top-ranked team looks to continue its dominant start when the Texas A&M Aggies host the reeling Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the finale of a two-game series Saturday afternoon at Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. under cloudy skies with a forecast temperature of 86 degrees.

Texas A&M (11-1), coming off an 11-1 rout of Incarnate Word on Tuesday, has outscored opponents 93-19 at home this season. The Aggies won the series opener 10-0 on Friday night.

Oakland (1-11) has lost 10 straight, including Friday’s shutout and an 11-2 midweek defeat at Tennessee. The Golden Grizzlies’ lone win came in extra innings against Lamar on Feb. 15.

A player to watch for the Aggies is designated hitter Jake Duer, who is riding a hot streak. He went 3 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs against Incarnate Word and has driven in eight runs over his last six games.

Oakland will hope for a strong outing from reliever Stephen Ruhle, who has shown flashes despite the team’s struggles. Ruhle tossed two scoreless innings with three strikeouts against Tennessee on Wednesday. Over his last three appearances, he has allowed three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings with six strikeouts.

The Aggies’ pitching staff has been formidable, posting four shutouts already. They will face an Oakland lineup averaging just 3.3 runs per game during its losing streak.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-1 Texas A&M victory.

Following Saturday’s game, Texas A&M hosts Stephen F. Austin on Tuesday before opening Big 12 play at Oklahoma next weekend. Oakland travels to face Akron on Wednesday before a four-game set at Youngstown State.