Hot-hitting Eagles, Hornets Set for Nonconference Clash

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams trending in opposite directions meet Thursday when the surging Winthrop Eagles visit the struggling Sacramento State Hornets in nonconference baseball at John Smith Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. PDT.

Winthrop (15-6) enters riding a wave of momentum, having won eight of its last nine games. The Eagles are coming off an 8-2 road victory at Pacific on Tuesday, part of a successful West Coast trip. Their offense has been potent, scoring nine or more runs in four of their last six contests.

A key catalyst has been outfielder Grant McGuire. Over his last seven games, McGuire is batting .400 (10 for 25) with nine RBIs, including a 3-for-4, three-RBI performance in a win over Radford on March 15.

Sacramento State (8-13) snapped a brief skid with an 8-3 win at San Francisco on Tuesday but has still lost six of its last nine. The Hornets’ season has been marked by inconsistency, particularly away from home, though they will enjoy the comforts of their own ballpark for this three-game set.

The Hornets’ lineup is powered by outfielder Erick Dessens, who is in the midst of a torrid stretch. In his last five games, Dessens is batting .455 (10 for 22) with three home runs and 11 RBIs. He went 4 for 5 with a homer and three RBIs in a narrow loss to Pacific on March 14.

On the mound, both teams will look to set the tone for the series. Winthrop’s staff has posted a 3.82 ERA this season, while Sacramento State’s pitchers have struggled to a 6.12 collective ERA.

The series marks the first-ever meeting between the programs. According to Interstat’s game simulator, Winthrop is projected to win the opener 6-4.

The teams will meet again Friday and Saturday to complete the series before Sacramento State embarks on a seven-game road trip. Winthrop continues its Western swing with the final two games here before heading home to South Carolina.