Preview: Central Connecticut at Quinnipiac

HAMDEN, Conn. (Interstat) — Intrastate foes Central Connecticut and Quinnipiac will meet Wednesday in a nonconference midweek baseball game at Quinnipiac Baseball Field.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening. The forecast calls for cloudy skies and a temperature of 48 degrees.

The Bobcats (17-21) enter with momentum after a 13-0 road victory over New Haven on Tuesday. Quinnipiac’s pitching was dominant in that win, a trend they hope continues.

A key player to watch for the home team is right-hander Maddex Labuda. He started Tuesday’s shutout, throwing five hitless innings with three strikeouts. His recent outings have been strong aside from a tough appearance at Massachusetts on March 31.

The visiting Blue Devils (13-17) are also coming off a win, having defeated Massachusetts 6-4 on Tuesday. Their bullpen shined, with three relievers combining for 8 2/3 scoreless innings.

Central Connecticut will look to reliever Anthony Costello, who was pivotal in Tuesday’s win. He threw three perfect innings of relief with four strikeouts against UMass. However, he allowed three earned runs without recording an out against Sacred Heart on March 31, showing recent volatility.

Offensively, Quinnipiac shortstop Alex Irizarry is riding high after a 2-for-3, four-RBI performance against New Haven.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest projects to be a tight one, with a predicted final score of Quinnipiac 5, Central Connecticut 4.

Both teams are preparing for crucial conference series this weekend. The Blue Devils will host New Haven for a three-game set starting Friday. The Bobcats will open a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference series at home against Mount Saint Mary’s on Friday.