Preview: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at Rochester Red Wings

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Rochester Red Wings will look to extend their early-season momentum when they host the scuffling Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in the opener of a day-night doubleheader on Friday at Frontier Field.

The International League matchup pits teams on opposite trajectories. Rochester (3-1) has won three straight, including the first two games of this series by scores of 5-4 and 3-1. The RailRiders (1-3) have dropped three consecutive games since a season-opening win.

Friday’s first game, scheduled for the afternoon, features a pitching rematch from Thursday’s contest. Rochester’s Andrew Alvarez (1-0) dominated in his last outing, striking out 10 over five shutout innings while allowing just one hit in the Red Wings’ 3-1 victory. The RailRiders will counter with right-hander Elmer Rodríguez, who was the hard-luck loser in that same game. Rodríguez allowed one earned run on four hits over five innings.

For the nightcap, the RailRiders are expected to start left-hander Mitchell Parker (1-0), while the Red Wings list Carlos Lagrange (0-0) as their probable pitcher.

Despite Rochester’s recent success, statistical projections are split. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 5-4 Red Wings victory for Game 1. However, the service’s ELO rating system gives Scranton/Wilkes-Barre a 60.40% probability to win.

Cold conditions could be a factor for both games, with a forecast temperature of 46 degrees and cloudy skies at game time.

Following the twin bill, the series continues through Sunday before both teams embark on lengthy road trips.