BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Binghamton Bearcats host the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks on Thursday afternoon in a crucial America East series opener at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Binghamton (28-20) enters with the conference’s best record, while Massachusetts-Lowell (21-29) looks to build momentum after a 7-5, 11-inning win at Bryant on Wednesday. The River Hawks are 2-3 in their last five games.

The Bearcats took two of three in the previous series at Massachusetts-Lowell on May 15-16, including a wild 13-12 victory Saturday. Binghamton also swept a three-game set at home in March, winning 14-10, 16-10 and 5-7 (10 innings). Overall, the Bearcats have won four of the last six meetings.

Players to watch

Massachusetts-Lowell catcher Nicholas Solorzano is on a tear. In Wednesday’s win at Bryant, he went 4-for-6 with a home run and three RBIs. Over his last five games, he is 11-for-19 with three homers and 13 RBIs. In the May 16 loss to Binghamton, he went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs.

Binghamton designated hitter Tommy Popoff has been equally dangerous. In the May 16 win at Lowell, he went 2-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs. Over his last 10 games, Popoff is batting .385 (10-for-26) with three homers and 18 RBIs, including a seven-RBI performance against Le Moyne on April 28.

Recent results

Binghamton last played May 16, beating UML 13-12. Popoff led the way, while catcher Andrew Heppner added a homer and two RBIs. Pitcher Aiden Milburn threw 2.1 scoreless innings of relief.

Massachusetts-Lowell is coming off a 7-5 road win over Bryant on Wednesday. Aside from Solorzano, right fielder Carlos Martinez went 2-for-6 with three RBIs, and pitcher Alfred Mucciarone worked seven innings, allowing no hits but three earned runs with four strikeouts.

Series outlook

The Bearcats boast a deep lineup that has scored 10 or more runs in three of their last five games. The River Hawks counter with a potent offense of their own but have struggled on the road, going 9-15 away from home.

First pitch is set for 4 p.m. EDT. The game will stream on AmericaEast.tv.