AP Sports Preview

ITHACA, N.Y. (Interstat) — Columbia visits Cornell on Saturday for the first game of a doubleheader at Hoy Field, with the Lions seeking to snap a two-game losing streak against a Big Red team trying to build momentum.

First pitch is scheduled for 47 degrees with rain in the forecast. The Ivy League matchup pits Columbia (12-21-1) against Cornell (10-24).

Columbia enters after an 8-16 loss at Brown on Wednesday. Left fielder Cole Fellows went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs in that game. Fellows has been on a tear, batting .400 (8 for 20) over his last five games with two homers and eight RBIs. He recorded four hits on April 24 against Yale.

Cornell broke a four-game losing streak with an 8-3 win at Brown on Sunday. Relief pitcher Michael Tight tossed four scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out three. Over his last three appearances spanning 8 2/3 innings, Tight has allowed one earned run and struck out nine while yielding only one hit.

Columbia’s offense has been inconsistent but capable of outbursts, scoring 13 runs at Fairfield on April 14. The Lions have won four of their last eight.

Cornell has struggled offensively, scoring more than five runs only twice in its last 10 games. The Big Red’s pitching staff has a collective earned-run average above 6.50 in Ivy play.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 Columbia victory.

The teams conclude the series Sunday. Cornell plays at Binghamton on May 5.