AP Sports Preview

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Middle Tennessee (22-22) visits Vanderbilt (26-19) in a nonconference baseball game Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium. The forecast calls for rain and 81 degrees.

The Commodores are coming off a 4-3, 10-inning loss to Texas on Sunday, while the Blue Raiders lost 9-4 at Sam Houston State. Vanderbilt won both previous meetings this season.

Middle Tennessee pitcher John Michael Pickens (0-1, 5.14 ERA) is a player to watch. The right-hander allowed one earned run in three innings in Sunday’s loss, striking out one. He has pitched to a 9.00 ERA over his last five outings, allowing eight earned runs in 7 2/3 innings.

Vanderbilt pitcher Wyatt Nadeau (0-1, 4.13) will likely start. The right-hander allowed two earned runs in six innings against Texas on Sunday, striking out three. He has a 4.50 ERA in his last three starts.

Vanderbilt holds a 26-19 all-time series lead. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 Commodores victory.

Middle Tennessee will host Western Kentucky in a three-game series beginning Friday. Vanderbilt travels to Alabama for a three-game series starting Thursday.