CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Austin Peay hosts Eastern Kentucky on Saturday at Raymond C. Hand Park in a pivotal ASUN Conference series, with first pitch set for 72 degrees and clear skies.

The Governors (23-26) look to bounce back after dropping Friday’s series opener 5-2 to the Colonels (13-36). Austin Peay enters as heavy favorites according to Interstat’s game simulator, which projects a 5-3 victory and gives the Governors a 76.10 percent probability to win via its ELO system.

Players to watch

Eastern Kentucky right-hander Cooper Pumphrey has been effective in limited relief outings. Over his past four appearances, the Colonel has allowed one earned run across 2.1 innings while striking out three. He earned a win May 6 at Western Kentucky, tossing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts.

For Austin Peay, right-hander Chance Cox has been a reliable bullpen arm. Across his last four outings, Cox has logged 7.1 innings, allowing four earned runs with five strikeouts. He threw 2.2 scoreless frames May 6 at Southeast Missouri State, striking out two.

Series history

The head-to-head series has been competitive this season. Eastern Kentucky won Friday’s matchup 5-2. Prior to that, Austin Peay took two of three in an April series in Richmond, Kentucky, winning 12-9 on April 4 before dropping a 7-6 decision on April 3, then claiming a 5-2 victory on April 2.

Recent form

Eastern Kentucky snapped a three-game losing streak with Friday’s win. The Colonels had dropped 10 of their previous 11 contests, including a 10-run loss to Lipscomb on May 3. Their last victory before Friday came May 6 at Western Kentucky, a 5-3 decision.

Austin Peay has lost three of its last four, including a 7-5 defeat at Southeast Missouri State on May 6. The Governors dropped two of three at home to Central Arkansas last weekend, salvaging a 2-1 win on May 2.

Looking ahead

The series concludes Sunday with Eastern Kentucky visiting Austin Peay again. Following this weekend, both teams begin road conference series on May 14 — the Colonels at Bellarmine and the Governors at North Alabama.