AP Sports Preview

HICKORY, N.C. (Interstat) — The Hickory Crawdads host the Charleston RiverDogs on Saturday at 6 p.m. at L.P. Frans Stadium, with the home team seeking a fourth win in five games in this series.

Hickory (23-18) has taken three of four from Charleston (23-20) this week, including a 5-3 victory Friday. The Crawdads hold a 52.9 percent win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, which projects a 5-3 final.

The pitching matchup features right-handers. Trey Pooser (5-0, 2.80 ERA) is scheduled to start for Charleston, seeking his sixth straight win to begin the season. AJ Russell (1-0, 3.12 ERA) will oppose him for Hickory in his second start.

Pooser has been Charleston’s most consistent starter, going at least five innings in each of his five outings and allowing three earned runs or fewer in every start. Russell, in his lone appearance, threw 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball against Columbia on May 15.

The weather forecast calls for rain and a game-time temperature of 59 degrees, which could affect both pitching staffs.

Players to watch

For Charleston, right-hander Aidan Cremarosa has been a bright spot despite taking the loss Friday, allowing three earned runs over 4 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old threw a nine-inning no-hitter with 11 strikeouts against Augusta on May 8 and has a 1.52 ERA over his past five appearances.

For Hickory, righty Kamdyn Perry (4 1/3 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 6 K) earned the win Friday and has a 2.88 ERA over his last three outings. The 24-year-old has struck out 18 batters in 13 innings during that span.

Series notes

Hickory won the series opener 11-5 on Tuesday before Charleston answered with a 5-4 victory Wednesday. The Crawdads reclaimed momentum with consecutive wins Thursday (5-2) and Friday.

The RiverDogs have dropped six of their past eight games overall. Hickory has won five of its last seven.

Looking ahead

The teams conclude the series Sunday at L.P. Frans Stadium before Charleston begins a six-game road trip Tuesday at Columbia. Hickory travels to Salem on Tuesday for a six-game set against the RidgeYaks.

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