Preview: Eastern Michigan at Youngstown State

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — Eastern Michigan visits Youngstown State on Wednesday in a matchup of two struggling teams looking to build momentum late in the season.

The Eagles (15-30) hold the edge on paper, winning the only meeting this season, 8-7 at home on March 24. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 4-3 Eastern Michigan victory, giving the Eagles a 59.5 percent chance to win.

Youngstown State (10-36) has lost five of its last six, including a 7-4 defeat Sunday against Northern Kentucky. The Penguins’ offense has been sporadic, but third baseman Garrett Cutting has been a bright spot. In his past 10 games, Cutting has five home runs and 11 RBIs, going 2 for 5 with a homer and two RBIs in Sunday’s loss. For the season, Cutting leads Youngstown State in several offensive categories.

Eastern Michigan counter with right-hander Carter White, who has been effective recently despite a rocky outing April 12. White threw 4.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits with three strikeouts in a 7-3 win over Bowling Green on May 3. Two starts earlier, he tossed 3.2 hitless innings against Northern Illinois, yielding one run with three strikeouts. White’s command will be key against a Penguins lineup that has struck out often.

The Eagles snapped a two-game skid with Sunday’s win over Bowling Green, powered by White’s outing and a home run from second baseman Ty Stecko. Eastern Michigan’s offense has been inconsistent, averaging just over four runs per game.

Youngstown State’s pitching staff has allowed 10 or more runs in eight of its last 12 games. The Penguins will need a strong start to contain an Eagles lineup that pounded out 11 hits in the March 24 win.

The weather forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-60s at first pitch with partly cloudy skies.

Following Wednesday’s contest, Eastern Michigan travels to Kent State for a three-game series starting Friday. Youngstown State opens a weekend series at home against Milwaukee.

Both teams are out of postseason contention but are playing for pride and building toward next season. For Youngstown State, a home win would snap a three-game losing streak. Eastern Michigan seeks its second straight victory and a season sweep of the Penguins.