AP Sports Preview

LAFAYETTE, La. (Interstat) — The Georgia State Panthers and Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns conclude their Sun Belt Conference series Sunday afternoon at M.L. Tigue Moore Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the forecast calling for 70-degree temperatures and cloudy skies.

Georgia State (22-22 overall) enters the finale after dropping the series opener Saturday. Louisiana-Lafayette (26-18) looks to build on its series victory as it pushes toward the conference tournament.

Players to Watch

Georgia State right-hander Will Bartkoski has been a reliable two-way contributor. On the mound, Bartkoski threw six innings of five-hit ball with five strikeouts in an April 26 win over Old Dominion. He also tossed five scoreless innings April 19 at Coastal Carolina. Bartkoski has made five appearances over the past two weeks.

Louisiana-Lafayette reliever Hayden Pearson has worked primarily out of the bullpen. Pearson threw four scoreless innings with three strikeouts Wednesday against Nicholls State. He has allowed two earned runs over his past five appearances spanning 9 2/3 innings.

Recent Results

Georgia State split a four-game series against Old Dominion, winning the finale 8-7 in 10 innings April 26. Cole Griffith went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs in that win. Wills Maginnis added three hits, including a homer and two RBIs.

Louisiana-Lafayette defeated Nicholls State 7-1 on Wednesday behind Pearson’s four scoreless innings. Ty Roman also threw four innings of three-hit ball. Colt Brown drove in three runs.

The Ragin’ Cajuns took Saturday’s series opener. No other Sun Belt series results were available for that contest.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-6 Louisiana-Lafayette victory. The Ragin’ Cajuns carry a 66.9 percent win probability according to the outlet’s ELO system.

What’s at Stake

The Panthers need wins to climb above .500 with a midweek trip to Kennesaw State on Tuesday followed by a three-game series at Georgia Southern beginning Friday.

Louisiana-Lafayette hosts New Orleans on Tuesday before traveling to Appalachian State for a three-game set starting Friday. The Ragin’ Cajuns then return home for a three-game series against Coastal Carolina beginning May 14.

Sunday’s game is the final home Sun Belt series of the regular season for Louisiana-Lafayette.