CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Interstat) — Southeast Missouri State hosts SIU Edwardsville in an Ohio Valley Conference baseball game Saturday evening at Capaha Field. First pitch is scheduled under partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 72 degrees.

The Redhawks (29-12) enter the game atop the OVC standings, while the Cougars (22-19) are looking to climb the conference ladder. Southeast Missouri State won the series opener Friday, setting the stage for the second game of the weekend set.

Players to watch

SIU Edwardsville right-hander Noah Johnson has struggled with consistency in recent outings. Over his last five appearances spanning 14 1/3 innings, Johnson allowed nine earned runs while striking out seven. His most effective start came April 8 at Indiana State, where he tossed four scoreless innings.

For the Redhawks, reliever Benjamin Snider has been sharp. In five of his last six appearances, including a three-inning scoreless stint Tuesday against Southern Illinois, Snider has not allowed an earned run. His only rough patch came April 4 at Lindenwood, where he surrendered three earned runs without recording an out.

Recent results

SIU Edwardsville (22-19) defeated Missouri 11-5 on Tuesday, snapping a two-game skid. The Cougars have split their last 10 contests.

Southeast Missouri State (29-12) also beat Southern Illinois 5-1 on Tuesday. The Redhawks have won seven of their last 10.

The simulation run by Interstat projects a 7-6 victory for the home team.

Up next

Both teams conclude the series Sunday at Capaha Field. SIU Edwardsville then travels to Evansville on Tuesday, while Southeast Missouri State hosts Missouri on Tuesday.