Preview: Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan

YPSILANTI, Mich. (Interstat) — The Western Michigan Broncos look to even their Mid-American Conference series against the Eastern Michigan Eagles on Saturday afternoon at Oestrike Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:18 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 67 degrees.

The Eagles (11-24) took the series opener 4-3 on Friday afternoon, scoring all their runs off Western Michigan starter Zach Vriesenga. The Broncos (17-15) will seek a stronger offensive showing to support their pitching.

A quick rematch on the mound is anticipated, with Western Michigan’s Vriesenga likely to start. The right-hander pitched six innings in Friday’s loss, allowing four earned runs. In his previous three starts, he yielded just three earned runs over 18 2/3 innings, including a six-inning, one-run win over Massachusetts on March 27.

Eastern Michigan is expected to counter with John Carmichael, who earned Friday’s victory. The left-hander worked six innings, striking out seven while allowing two earned runs on four hits. He has logged at least five innings in four straight starts.

The Broncos have won seven of their last ten games. Outfielder Cooper Hums, who hit a two-run homer in Friday’s loss, is a key bat. The Eagles have struggled overall but have shown potency at home, winning two of their last three MAC series openers in Ypsilanti, including Friday’s victory.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Western Michigan is projected to win 8-3.

The three-game series concludes Sunday afternoon.