PREVIEW: Western Kentucky at Delaware

NEWARK, Del. (Interstat) — Western Kentucky looks to build momentum as it opens a three-game Conference USA series Thursday evening against Delaware at Bob Hannah Stadium. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures around 53 degrees.

The Hilltoppers (28-24, CUSA) enter winners of two of their last three, coming off an 11-8 victory over Dallas Baptist on Sunday. Outfielder Cael Frost, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs in that win, is a key bat to watch. Though Frost slumped 0-for-4 in the series’ middle game, he has nine hits in his last six starts, including three multi-hit outings and three homers over that span. His power production — three RBIs at Middle Tennessee on May 3, a solo homer on May 1 — gives Western Kentucky a dangerous presence in the lineup.

The Blue Hens (17-34, CUSA) have lost four straight, most recently a 8-1 defeat at Sam Houston State on Sunday. Relief pitcher Ben Moyzan was a bright spot in that loss, tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts while allowing no hits. Moyzan has been effective in recent appearances, posting 3 2/3 consecutive scoreless frames across his last three outings. However, Delaware’s pitching staff has struggled overall, surrendering 26 runs in the three-game series at Sam Houston.

Western Kentucky’s offense has been inconsistent but explosive, averaging 5.8 runs over its last five games. The Hilltoppers’ pitching staff is coming off a solid series against Dallas Baptist, with Zach Lyles throwing 3 2/3 innings of one-run ball and Mick Uebelhor delivering two scoreless innings in relief Sunday.

Delaware’s lineup has managed just seven runs during its four-game losing streak. The Blue Hens will need to generate more offense against a Western Kentucky team that has won four of its last six road games.

The conference schedule is tight down the stretch, and both teams are jockeying for position ahead of the CUSA tournament.

This is the opener of a three-game set. The teams meet again Friday evening at Bob Hannah Stadium.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Western Kentucky 6, Delaware 5.