Preview: Sacramento State at Kansas

LAWRENCE, Kan. (Interstat) — The Kansas Jayhawks look to build on a series win over a ranked opponent when they host the Sacramento State Hornets in a nonconference matchup Wednesday evening at Hoglund Ballpark.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures near 67 degrees.

Kansas (15-8) enters having won three of its last four, including taking two of three from then-Houston over the weekend. The Jayhawks’ offense has been potent, averaging over eight runs per game during that stretch.

A key catalyst has been second baseman Cade Baldridge. The junior is riding a six-game hitting streak, going 10 for 26 (.385) with seven RBIs in that span. He drove in four runs in Sunday’s 8-4 win over the Cougars.

Sacramento State (9-15) seeks to rebound after dropping two of three at home to Winthrop last weekend. The Hornets fell 5-7 on Saturday despite a solid relief outing from Carson Timothy, who allowed one earned run over 3 2/3 innings.

Timothy, a right-hander, has been a bright spot. In his last four appearances, he has surrendered just two earned runs over 17 1/3 innings, including six shutout frames in a win at LSU on March 8. He figures to be a key arm for the Hornets against a potent Kansas lineup.

The teams met Tuesday, with Kansas claiming a 6-0 victory. The Jayhawks’ pitching staff held the Hornets to just three hits.

Kansas holds a distinct advantage in season record and recent form. According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Jayhawks are projected to win 7-4.

Following Wednesday’s game, Kansas opens Big 12 play with a series at Cincinnati starting Friday. Sacramento State begins a three-game series at Creighton on Friday.