PITTSBURGH (9-2) AT SAN JOSE STATE (4-7)

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Interstat) — The surging Pittsburgh Panthers look to continue their offensive onslaught when they visit the struggling San Jose State Spartans for an evening game Saturday.

Pittsburgh brings a five-game winning streak into the contest, having outscored opponents 67-13 during that stretch. The Panthers are coming off a 16-2 rout of Ohio on Wednesday, powered by a 3-for-3, four-RBI day from right fielder Lorenzo Carrier.

Carrier, a key player to watch, has been a driving force. In his last eight games, he has three multi-hit performances, including two games with a home run and at least four RBIs. His recent tear highlights an offense that has scored 10 or more runs in six of its nine victories.

San Jose State, conversely, has lost five of its last six games. The Spartans’ bullpen has been taxed, though reliever Caden Duke has been a bright spot. In his last five appearances, Duke has allowed just one earned run over 4.2 innings, striking out five. He will likely be called upon again to try and quiet the Panther bats.

The teams opened their series Friday, with Pittsburgh earning a victory. The Panthers’ early-season success has been built on consistent hitting and strong starting pitching, as evidenced by Antonio Doganiero’s 4.2 scoreless innings in his last start.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a Pittsburgh victory, with a final score of 8-3.

For San Jose State, reversing its fortunes will require finding more consistent offense and early pitching to complement its relief corps. Shortstop Rocco Caballero, who homered in Tuesday’s loss to Pacific, is a candidate to provide a spark.

Following Saturday’s game, the series concludes Sunday before Pittsburgh continues its West Coast swing with a game at Santa Clara and a weekend series at Stanford. San Jose State hosts California on Tuesday before opening a home series with New Mexico next weekend.