Preview: Lafayette Leopards at Monmouth Hawks

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (Interstat) — The struggling Lafayette Leopards face a tall order Tuesday when they visit the Monmouth Hawks for a non-conference baseball game at Monmouth Baseball Field.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening, with a forecast of 44 degrees and rain.

Lafayette (2-16) enters on a five-game losing skid, including a three-game weekend sweep at the hands of Army. The Leopards fell 10-5 in Sunday’s series finale despite a strong relief outing from pitcher Trey Zaffiro, who allowed three hits and no earned runs over 4 2/3 innings with four strikeouts. Zaffiro, a player to watch, has been a recent bright spot, posting a 0.00 ERA in three of his last five appearances.

Designated hitter Charlie Chropuvka provided the pop for Lafayette on Sunday, going 2 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs. Shortstop Matt Colella added three hits.

Monmouth (10-10) looks to rebound after dropping the final game of its series with Stony Brook, 10-7, on Sunday. The Hawks’ offense was powered by left fielder Nick Lovarco, who went 2 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs. Center fielder Colin Richter added three hits, including a homer.

Lovarco has been on a tear, collecting nine hits in his last three games. In the series against Stony Brook, he was a combined 9 for 11 with three home runs and eight RBIs.

The Hawks have been inconsistent but potent, scoring 10 or more runs in four of their last ten contests. Lafayette’s pitching staff, which has an ERA over 8.00 for the season, will be challenged to contain Monmouth’s lineup.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Monmouth is projected to win 7-1.

The game is the start of a 10-game road trip for Lafayette, which visits Holy Cross for a weekend series starting Friday. Monmouth opens a three-game series at Elon on Friday.