Preview: Lehigh at Lafayette, Game 1 of Doubleheader

EASTON, Pa. (Interstat) — The Patriot League’s most-played rivalry resumes Saturday when Lafayette hosts Lehigh in the opener of a doubleheader at Kamine Stadium.

First pitch is set for a cloudy 70-degree afternoon, with the Mountain Hawks (9-25) visiting the Leopards (8-26) in a matchup of teams seeking momentum in a difficult season.

The game is a quick rematch of Friday’s series opener, which Lafayette won 4-2 behind a dominant pitching performance. The Leopards’ Tristan Helmick struck out 14 over seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits to secure the win.

All eyes will be on the mound again Saturday. Lehigh’s Max Treonze, who took the hard-luck loss Friday after throwing eight hitless innings in relief with two earned runs and seven strikeouts, is a player to watch. The right-hander has shown flashes of brilliance, including four hitless innings against Navy on April 5.

Helmick is also expected to be key for Lafayette following his 14-strikeout outing. His season has been inconsistent, however, mixing gems like Friday’s and a seven-inning, three-run win at Holy Cross on March 27 with rougher starts.

Offensively, Lafayette catcher Brandon Doubek drove in two runs in Friday’s victory. For Lehigh, outfielder Robbie Carvelli had two hits and an RBI in the loss.

Despite Lafayette’s win Friday, statistical models favor Lehigh in the rematch. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 4-1 Lehigh victory, and its ELO rating system gives the Mountain Hawks a 57.3% probability to win.

The doubleheader continues the 261st meeting between the schools on the diamond. Game 2 will follow approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the opener.