Preview: Hofstra Pride at College of Charleston Cougars

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — The struggling Hofstra Pride will look for their first win of the season when they open a three-game series against the College of Charleston Cougars on Friday evening.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Patriots Point.

The Pride (0-6) are coming off a three-game sweep at Liberty last weekend, part of a winless start that also included three losses at Mississippi State in mid-February. Hofstra’s bullpen showed flashes in Sunday’s 10-7 loss, as relievers Nicholas Reese and Chris Bedford each threw three scoreless innings after a tough start.

Reese, a player to watch for the Pride, allowed just one earned run on zero hits over three innings against Liberty, striking out one. He could be a key arm as Hofstra searches for stability.

Offensively, JJ DeVito went 3 for 4 with an RBI in that contest.

The College of Charleston (5-7) snapped a three-game skid with a 6-3 midweek win over Presbyterian on Tuesday. Shortstop Will Tippett provided the power in that victory, launching a three-run home run as part of a 1-for-3 day.

Tippett, the Cougars’ player to watch, has driven in four runs over his last five games. His bat will be central to a Charleston lineup seeking more consistent production.

The Cougars’ season has been marked by narrow results, with five of their seven losses coming by three runs or fewer, including one-run defeats to East Carolina and James Madison.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Cougars are projected to win Friday’s opener 4-1.

The series continues with games on Saturday and Sunday.