AP Sports Preview: Davidson at VCU

RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — The Atlantic 10 series between Davidson and VCU concludes Saturday afternoon at The Diamond, with the Rams seeking a sweep after dominating the first two games.

VCU (31-22, 17-10 A-10) has outscored the Wildcats 19-7 in the series, including a 10-0 shutout Thursday and a 9-7 victory Friday. Davidson (25-25, 12-15) needs a win to avoid a three-game sweep and keep its postseason hopes alive.

The Rams have been powered by left fielder Nick Flores, who went 3 for 5 with four RBIs in Friday’s win. Over his last 10 games, Flores has driven in 13 runs, including multi-RBI performances against Saint Louis and Saint Joseph’s. He is hitting .315 on the season with a team-high 54 RBIs.

Davidson’s bullpen, which allowed two runs in five innings Friday, will rely on right-hander Simon Yochum. The sophomore has been inconsistent but effective against VCU this week, tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings Friday. In his previous four outings, Yochum allowed three earned runs or fewer in three of five appearances while striking out 13 in 15 1/3 innings.

The Wildcats’ offense has struggled against VCU pitching, totaling nine runs in the series. Davidson’s lineup, which averaged 7.2 runs per game over its previous seven contests, has been held to six runs or fewer in both losses.

VCU starter Zach Peters threw 3 1/3 innings of one-run ball Friday, striking out seven. The Rams’ pitching staff has a 2.50 ERA over the last two games, limiting Davidson to a .214 batting average.

Weather is expected to be mild with temperatures in the mid-70s.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 VCU victory.

First pitch is at 2 p.m.