SAN DIEGO SEEKS SERIES SWEEP AT PEPPERDINE

MALIBU, Calif. (Interstat) — The San Diego Toreros will look to capitalize on momentum and secure a series sweep when they visit the Pepperdine Waves in an evening matchup Sunday at Eddy D. Field Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under partly cloudy skies with a game-time temperature of 84 degrees.

San Diego (9-15) took the first two games of the series, including a 5-1 victory Friday behind a dominant pitching performance. The Toreros will aim to continue that success against a struggling Pepperdine (6-19) squad that has lost four of its last five.

A key matchup will feature San Diego’s Diego Gutierrez, who is coming off a spectacular outing. The right-hander tossed five no-hit innings with eight strikeouts in Friday’s win over the Waves. Over his last two starts, he has allowed just one earned run in 10 innings while striking out 14.

Pepperdine will counter with Casey Euper, who took the loss Friday. The left-hander went 4 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits with five strikeouts. Consistency has been an issue for Euper, who has a 9.00 ERA over his last three appearances spanning 12 2/3 innings.

Both teams have struggled to find wins this season. The Toreros have dropped eight of their last 11 games outside of this series. The Waves’ troubles are more pronounced, having lost 12 of their last 14 contests.

In Friday’s win, San Diego’s Andrew Gauna provided the offensive spark with a two-run homer. Pepperdine’s Daniel Patterson hit a solo shot for the Waves’ only run.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Pepperdine is projected to salvage the series finale with a 3-2 victory.

Following Sunday’s game, San Diego will host Santa Clara for a three-game series starting Thursday. Pepperdine will remain home to face Cal State Northridge on Tuesday before traveling to face Gonzaga next weekend.