Preview: Arkansas State Red Wolves at Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans

JONESBORO, Ark. (Interstat) — A pair of in-state rivals trending in opposite directions will meet Tuesday afternoon when the Arkansas State Red Wolves visit the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans.

The Red Wolves (12-5) arrive with momentum, having won seven of their last eight games. They are coming off a dominant 7-0 road victory over Oral Roberts on Sunday, powered by a combined no-hitter from pitchers Tyler Weimer and Dylan Farley and a home run from second baseman Lane Walton.

Arkansas-Little Rock (8-7) salvaged a series split with Central Arkansas on Sunday, winning 7-2 behind a strong start from Zack Busick, but has lost four of its last seven contests.

The marquee matchup figures to be on the mound, where both teams will send key arms to the hill. Arkansas State’s Tyler Weimer has been nearly untouchable in recent relief appearances. Over his last five outings spanning 17.2 innings, the right-hander has allowed just one hit and zero earned runs while striking out 17 batters. He threw five perfect innings with four strikeouts in Sunday’s win.

He will be opposed by Trojans’ right-hander Zack Busick, who delivered six innings of two-run ball with six strikeouts in his last start. His season has been inconsistent, however, including a rough outing on Feb. 28 at Missouri State where he allowed four earned runs without giving up a hit, undone by control issues.

Offensively, the Red Wolves have shown more consistent firepower, scoring seven or more runs in nine games this season. The Trojans have been more volatile, with outbursts like an 8-run game against Central Arkansas mixed with a 24-5 loss to Memphis on Feb. 24.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Red Wolves are projected to extend their hot streak with a 7-5 victory.

Following Tuesday’s contest, Arkansas State will host Southern Mississippi for a three-game series starting Friday. Arkansas-Little Rock will hit the road for a weekend series at Samford.