AP Sports Preview

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — The Mercer Bears host the Wofford Terriers in a nonconference matchup Thursday evening at Fluor Field at the West End.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Mercer (43-13) enters the game riding momentum after a 11-6 win at East Tennessee State on May 16. Chris Katz drove in four runs on a home run and two other hits, while Ethan Buffone added three RBIs on a 3-for-4 night. The Bears have won nine of their last 10 games and boast one of the nation’s top records.

Wofford (34-21) looks to rebound from a 13-7 loss to The Citadel on Wednesday at home. Second baseman Tanner Hardin went 2-for-4 with three RBIs in that game, extending a recent hot stretch at the plate. Over his last 10 games, Hardin has collected eight hits and six RBIs, though he has also endured some quiet performances, including an 0-for-3 outing May 16 at Samford.

The Terriers have dropped four of their last five games overall, including a three-game series loss at Samford from May 14-16. Wofford was swept by Mercer in a three-game set April 24-26, with the Bears winning 13-8, 5-1 and 9-8 in 11 innings.

Mercer swept that series at home and has been dominant throughout the season, powered by a deep lineup. The Bears have scored in double digits in seven of their last 10 victories.

Wofford will counter with its own offensive weapon in Hardin, who is hitting .310 on the season. The Terriers will need production from the top of the order to keep pace with Mercer’s high-scoring attack.

Fluor Field, the home of the Greenville Drive, will provide a neutral-site atmosphere for the Thursday afternoon contest. Mercer, the designated home team, will look to extend its winning streak, while Wofford aims to snap a recent slide.

The game marks the first of a two-game set between the Southern Conference rivals before Mercer faces The Citadel later in the week.