Preview: New Orleans Privateers at Northwestern State Demons

CYPRESS, La. (Interstat) — The Northwestern State Demons look to build on their strong start to Southland Conference play when they host the New Orleans Privateers in an afternoon game Saturday at H. Alvin Brown–C. C. Stroud Field.

First pitch is set for 5 p.m. under clear skies with a game-time temperature near 80 degrees.

The Demons (13-8, 3-1 Southland) have won three of their first four conference games, including taking the opener of this three-game series Friday night. Northwestern State’s pitching has been a strength, highlighted by a recent standout performance from Carter White. The reliever threw four perfect innings with one strikeout in a 2-0 midweek loss at Tulane on March 18.

White’s season has been inconsistent, however, following that outing with a difficult appearance where he allowed nine earned runs against Incarnate Word on March 6.

New Orleans (9-14, 1-3) seeks to even the series after dropping the opener. The Privateers’ offense, which exploded for 12 runs in a wild 17-12 loss at Louisiana-Monroe on Wednesday, will rely on hot-hitting Miles Curley. The designated hitter went 3 for 5 with five RBIs in that game and is 6 for 18 with a home run and eight RBIs over his last five contests.

Despite Curley’s production, the Privateers have lost four of their last five games. Their pitching staff faces a challenge against a Demons lineup that has averaged 6.4 runs per game during conference play.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Northwestern State is projected to win 7-3.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon.