AP Sports Preview

EAST LANSING, Mich. (Interstat) — Western Michigan visits Michigan State on Wednesday, May 6, in a nonconference baseball matchup at McLane Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon/evening. The Broncos (22-19) carry a .537 winning percentage into the game, while the Spartans (16-28) seek to snap a three-game losing streak.

Western Michigan enters on a high note after an 11-10 victory Sunday against Miami (Ohio). The Broncos have won four of their last six games. Michigan State, meanwhile, dropped three consecutive home games to UCLA over the weekend, including a 13-11 loss Sunday.

Players to watch

Western Michigan catcher Diego Pena delivered the decisive hit in Sunday’s win, going 1-for-1 with a home run and three RBI. He had been 0-for-5 in his previous two appearances before that performance. For the season, Pena has shown power but also inconsistency at the plate.

Michigan State right fielder Parker Picot has been the Spartans’ most productive hitter. Over his last six games, Picot is batting .391 (9-for-23) with three home runs and nine RBI. He homered twice Sunday against UCLA and also drove in three runs. In his previous 10 games, Picot has reached base safely in eight.

Projections

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 Western Michigan victory. Interstat’s ELO system gives Michigan State a 63.3 percent probability to win.

Recent results

Western Michigan last played Sunday, defeating Miami (Ohio) 11-10. Diego Pena (1-for-1, HR, 3 RBI), Connor Ostrander (2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI) and pitcher Turner Doran (2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 4 K) led the Broncos.

Michigan State last played Sunday, losing 13-11 to UCLA. Parker Picot (3-for-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI), Nick Williams (3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI) and pitcher Carter Monke (6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 K) were the top performers.

In the Broncos’ previous 10 games, Western Michigan went 5-5. In the Spartans’ previous 10 games, Michigan State went 2-8.

Upcoming schedules

Western Michigan travels to Bowling Green for a three-game series beginning Friday, May 8.

Michigan State visits Ohio State for a three-game series beginning Friday, May 8.