Preview: River Hawks Visit Waves in Non-Conference Matchup

MALIBU, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build momentum will meet Thursday when the UMass Lowell River Hawks face the Pepperdine Waves in non-conference baseball at Eddy D. Field Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. PDT under clear skies with a game-time temperature near 75 degrees.

The River Hawks (4-7) arrive after a 7-2 road win at Sacramento State on Tuesday. The Waves (3-12) are looking to rebound from a 12-1 loss at Cal State Northridge on Monday.

A player to watch for UMass Lowell is right-hander Frankie DeMaro. He delivered four scoreless innings of relief in Tuesday’s victory, allowing one earned run on zero hits with two strikeouts. His recent outings have been volatile, however, including a four-run inning against San Francisco on March 6.

For Pepperdine, right-hander Pierson Howe will be a key bullpen arm. He threw two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in Monday’s loss, providing a bright spot in a difficult stretch for the Waves’ pitching staff.

Both teams have struggled to find consistency. UMass Lowell’s win Tuesday snapped a two-game skid, while Pepperdine has lost seven of its last eight games. The Waves’ last win was a 9-8 victory over Michigan on March 6.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest projects to be a tight, low-scoring affair with a predicted final score of Massachusetts-Lowell 3, Pepperdine 2.

This game is the first of a four-game series between the programs. They will play a single game Friday and a doubleheader Saturday in Malibu before the River Hawks return east.