ARIZONA STATE AT SOUTH ALABAMA PREVIEW

MOBILE, Ala. (Interstat) — South Alabama hosts Arkansas State on Friday night at Eddie Stanky Field in a key Sun Belt Conference series opener. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. with clear skies and a temperature of 75 degrees.

The Jaguars (31-20) enter the contest with a three-game edge over the Red Wolves (28-22) in the overall win column. Friday’s game is the second meeting between the teams this week after Thursday’s scheduled contest was not played.

South Alabama will likely turn to right-hander Daniel Gonzalez, who has been steady despite inconsistent run support. In his last three starts, Gonzalez (4.2 IP, 0 H, 4 ER, 6 K at Troy on May 10; 4.1 IP, 0 H, 4 ER, 5 K at Texas State on May 3; 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 K vs. Southern Miss on April 26) has shown the ability to limit hits but has been vulnerable to walks and home runs. His season ERA stands at 4.12.

Arkansas State counters with an offense that has been uneven. Outfielder Evan Griffis is the top threat, coming off a 3-for-5, one homer, three-RBI performance in a 15-9 loss to Texas State on Sunday. Over his last 10 games, Griffis has a .273 average with two homers and 11 RBIs, but he has gone hitless in four of those contests. The Red Wolves have lost six of their last eight games.

South Alabama has had its own struggles, dropping three of its last four, including an 8-1 loss at Troy on Sunday. The Jaguars’ offense scored 12 runs in a win at Troy on May 8 but managed only six runs total in the other three games of that series.

Friday’s game is the first of a three-game weekend set, with the teams scheduled to meet again Saturday at the same venue. A simulation from Interstat projects a 6-3 victory for South Alabama.

Arkansas State will need a strong start from its pitching staff to keep the game close. The Red Wolves’ bullpen allowed 10 earned runs in the series finale against Texas State. For South Alabama, Gonzalez must avoid the early big inning that has plagued him in recent outings.

The Sun Belt race is tight, with both teams jockeying for position ahead of the conference tournament. A win Friday would give South Alabama momentum and a season series edge, while Arkansas State aims to snap a four-game road losing streak.