Preview: Houston Christian at Tarleton State

STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — The Tarleton State Texans look to build on their strong start to the season when they host the Houston Christian Huskies in the second game of a weekend series Saturday evening at Tarleton Baseball Complex.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under clear skies with temperatures near 46 degrees.

The Texans (11-5) enter with momentum after taking three of four games last weekend at New Mexico, including a 9-7 victory last Sunday. Tarleton State’s pitching has been a strength, led by right-hander Ethan Wendel. In his last start on March 8, Wendel threw six scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out seven against the Lobos.

Houston Christian (8-8) arrives after a high-scoring 12-4 road win at McNeese State last Saturday. The Huskies’ offense is powered by catcher Levi Castilleja, who went 4 for 5 with a home run and five RBIs in that victory. Over his last five games, Castilleja is 9 for 16 (.563) with seven RBIs.

These in-state foes opened their series Friday night, with Tarleton State securing a shutout victory.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a close, high-scoring affair with Houston Christian winning 8-7. However, the same outlet’s ELO rating system gives Tarleton State a 61.3% probability of victory, highlighting the matchup’s perceived evenness.

The Huskies will aim to even the series before its conclusion Sunday afternoon. Following this set, Tarleton State prepares for a road test at Texas on Tuesday, while Houston Christian hosts UTSA on Tuesday.