Preview: Washington Huskies at Pepperdine Waves

MALIBU, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build momentum after difficult starts to the season meet Tuesday evening when the Washington Huskies visit the Pepperdine Waves at Eddy D. Field Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. PDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 76 degrees.

Washington (8-14) arrives after dropping three straight at Southern California, including a 14-4 loss Sunday. Pepperdine (6-17) snapped a four-game skid with a 7-1 win at Saint Mary’s on Sunday.

The Huskies will rely on the hot bat of outfielder Jackson Hotchkiss, who homered twice and drove in two runs in Sunday’s defeat. Over his last 10 games, Hotchkiss is batting .400 (16 for 40) with five home runs and 10 RBIs.

The Waves counter with right-hander Collin Valentine, who is coming off a dominant outing. In Sunday’s victory, Valentine threw six no-hit innings, allowing zero earned runs with two strikeouts. In his last four starts, he has a 2.12 ERA over 21 2/3 innings.

Both bullpens will be tested. Washington used five pitchers in Sunday’s loss, while Pepperdine needed three to close out its win.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final is Washington 5, Pepperdine 3.

This begins a crucial stretch for both clubs. Following Tuesday’s contest, Washington hosts Northwestern for a three-game series starting Friday. Pepperdine travels to face Cal State Northridge next Tuesday before opening West Coast Conference play at Gonzaga on April 2.