Bucknell Looks to Continue Mastery Over Struggling Lafayette

EASTON, Pa. (Interstat) — The Bucknell Bison will look to extend their recent dominance over the Lafayette Leopards when the Patriot League foes meet for the fifth time this season on Monday evening.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Lafayette’s Class of 1978 Stadium.

Bucknell (17-11) enters riding a wave of momentum, having won eight of its last 10 games. The Bison swept a doubleheader from Lafayette on Saturday, winning 10-8 in 10 innings and 3-1. They have won four of the five meetings between the teams this season.

Lafayette (7-19) seeks to halt a skid that has seen it drop 12 of its last 15 contests. The Leopards’ lone bright spot in Saturday’s action was a strong pitching performance in the nightcap, but they were unable to generate enough offense to avoid the loss.

A key matchup will feature Bucknell’s Everett Garber, who is expected to start on the mound. The right-hander was brilliant in his last outing against Lafayette on Saturday, throwing seven no-hit innings with eight strikeouts in the 3-1 victory. Over his last five appearances, he is 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 30 innings.

Lafayette will counter with Tristan Helmick, who also pitched well in defeat on Saturday. Helmick held Bucknell scoreless over six innings, allowing five hits and striking out seven. His season has been inconsistent, but he has shown the ability to stifle the Bison’s lineup.

At the plate, Bucknell’s Lleyton Coupe delivered a key RBI in Saturday’s win, while Lafayette’s Will Dobil provided the team’s only run with a solo home run.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Bucknell is projected to win with a final score of 8-5.

Following Monday’s contest, Bucknell will host Mount Saint Mary’s on Wednesday before a weekend series with Holy Cross. Lafayette begins a four-game series at Navy on Friday.