Pacific, Nevada Set for Saturday Showdown in Reno

RENO, Nev. (Interstat) — The Pacific Tigers and Nevada Wolf Pack, both seeking a winning record, continue their weekend series Saturday at William Peccole Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. under clear skies with a temperature near 51 degrees.

Both teams enter at .500. Pacific is 6-6 after an 11-5 road win at San Jose State on Tuesday. Nevada is 5-5 following a 9-6 victory at Stanford on Monday. The Wolf Pack took the series opener Friday, defeating Pacific 8-0.

A key player to watch for Pacific is Liam Smith. The right-hander delivered a strong start against San Jose State, allowing three earned runs over six innings with four strikeouts. His season has been uneven, however, including a Feb. 25 appearance where he surrendered five earned runs in just 1 1/3 innings against Sacramento State.

Nevada’s Jayce Dobie provides a unique two-way threat. At Stanford, he went 4 for 5 with three RBIs at the plate. On the mound this season, he has made two relief appearances, including a three-inning stint against Utah Valley on Feb. 22 where he allowed two earned runs.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Saturday’s contest projects to be a tight one, with a predicted final score of Pacific 6, Nevada 5.

The Tigers’ recent results have been volatile, splitting a series at Grand Canyon and winning a high-scoring midweek game. Nevada has shown resilience on the road, taking two of three at UC Davis before the win at Stanford.

Following Saturday’s game, the series concludes Sunday in Reno before both teams turn to midweek non-conference action. Pacific visits Sacramento State on Wednesday, while Nevada travels to face Stanford again.