AP Preview: Appalachian State at Georgia State

DECATUR, Ga. (Interstat) — Appalachian State (29-20) visits Georgia State (24-28) on Friday at 6 p.m. at Georgia State Baseball Complex in a Sun Belt series opener. The forecast calls for clear skies and 72 degrees.

The Mountaineers enter after a 12-2 rout of the Panthers on Thursday. Right-hander Nick Dirito (5 IP, 0 H, 2 ER, 11 K) earned the win. Over his last five starts, Dirito has 35 strikeouts in 31 innings, including a complete-game shutout April 17 at James Madison. He is expected to start Friday.

Georgia State counters with left-hander Jacob Crews, who allowed one hit over three scoreless innings in relief Thursday. Crews has a 10.80 ERA over his last three appearances, spanning 2 1/3 innings.

Appalachian State took three of four last weekend against Louisiana-Lafayette. The Mountaineers are 15-8 on the road. Georgia State dropped two of three at Georgia Southern last weekend and has lost six of its last eight.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Appalachian State is projected to win 7-4. Interstat’s ELO system gives the Mountaineers a 54.9% probability of victory.

The teams meet again Saturday.