PREVIEW: Davidson at VCU

RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — The Atlantic 10 baseball season reaches a pivotal juncture Thursday afternoon when Davidson visits VCU for the first of a three-game series at The Diamond.

First pitch is set for 3 p.m. The weather forecast called for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-70s.

Davidson (25-23) enters the game having won two of its last three, including a wild 21-17 victory over Rhode Island on Sunday. VCU (29-22) has won four of its last five, most recently a 19-5 rout at Saint Joseph’s on Sunday.

The Wildcats will lean on designated hitter Anthony Torreso, who has been among the hottest hitters in the conference. Over his last six games, Torreso is 12 for 27 (.444) with seven home runs and 19 RBIs. He went 3 for 3 with a home run and six RBIs in Sunday’s win over Rhode Island, and hit three home runs with five RBIs in a 17-7 loss to the Rams on May 9. For the season, the right-handed slugger leads Davidson in home runs and RBIs.

VCU counters with catcher Jacob Lee, who is coming off a 5-for-6 performance against Saint Joseph’s that included a home run and four RBIs. Lee has been a steady presence in the Rams’ lineup, hitting .333 over his last 10 games with three home runs and 10 RBIs. He also went 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in a 14-3 win at Norfolk State on May 5.

The Rams own a slight edge in the overall series and have been particularly strong at home, where they are 16-10 this season. VCU’s offense has been potent, scoring at least 10 runs in five of its last eight games.

Davidson counters with an offense that has been equally explosive, though less consistent. The Wildcats have scored at least 15 runs in three of their last four games but have also allowed 17 runs in three of their last four.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-6VCU victory, reflecting the expected tight nature of the contest.

Both teams will return to The Diamond on Friday and Saturday to complete the series, with postseason positioning in the Atlantic 10 tournament at stake.