SOUTH HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Interstat) — Monmouth visits Hofstra on Sunday for a Colonial Athletic Association matchup at University Field, with the first pitch scheduled for the afternoon. The forecast calls for 61-degree temperatures and rain.

The Hawks (26-20) hold a four-game lead in the win column over the Pride (18-24) but split a doubleheader Friday at Hofstra, losing 7-3 before winning 5-2. That set up a rubber match Sunday afternoon, with the evening contest also slated.

Monmouth relies on right-hander Kevin Opanel, who has been effective in recent relief outings. He tossed two scoreless innings in Friday’s loss, allowing no hits and striking out three. Over his last five appearances, Opanel has surrendered only one earned run in 8 2/3 innings, with four walks and eight strikeouts. He did allow three runs in 2 2/3 innings against Northeastern on May 1 but bounced back against Long Island and Stony Brook earlier in April.

Hofstra’s offense is sparked by second baseman Tyler Castrataro, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs in Friday’s 7-3 win. He is hitting .292 over his last 10 games, with two homers and seven RBIs. Castrataro also drove in a run against Saint John’s on April 28 and has reached base in six of his last seven contests.

Friday’s Game 1 saw Hofstra’s Carlos Martinez complete a nine-inning gem, allowing three earned runs on seven hits with 10 strikeouts. Nick Biddle added three hits for the Pride. In the nightcap, Monmouth got a home run from Nick Lovarco and two scoreless innings from Opanel.

The teams have met five times this season, with Monmouth winning three. Hofstra took two of three in a March series in West Long Branch, New Jersey, including a 5-4 win March 14. Monmouth responded with a 19-9 rout March 15. In total, the Hawks have outscored the Pride 36-29 in 2026.

Monmouth enters on a mixed run, winning four of its last seven after dropping two of three to Northeastern. Hofstra has won three of its last five, including a series sweep of Towson on May 1-3.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 Monmouth victory.

Monmouth will host North Carolina A&T for a three-game series starting Thursday. Hofstra visits Fordham on Tuesday before a three-game set at Stony Brook beginning Thursday.