Georgia State (23-13, 6-3) at Northeastern (18-12, 5-4)
This is an important series for the Huskies. The Panthers are probably the best CAA team NU has faced up to this point. Winning the weekend would be a huge boost going forward for Northeastern. Freshman lefty Andrew Leenhouts (0-1, 1.04) shined on the big stage at Fenway Park during the Beanpot championship game Monday, striking out six in 3 and 2/3 innings. Dan Zehr has also been a key piece in a talented Husky ‘pen. The senior lefthander leads the team with 15 appearances and has a 2-1 record with a 2.16 ERA. Offensively, outfielder Frank Compagnone (.340-1-8) appears to be fully recovered from a knee injury which shelved him for the early going. The junior has slid up to the No. 2 spot in the order and has been red hot the past week.
The series at Northeastern marks the start of an eight game road trip for Georgia State. The Panthers then wrap up their season with ten games at home. GSU is led offensively by outfielder Matt Van Horn (.377-6-22). Justin Malone has three saves and a 2.00 ERA in twelve relief appearances. The two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday, followed by a single game Sunday.
Probable pitchers (Panthers listed first)
Game 1: Robinson Polanco (2-1, 4.38) vs. Ryan Quigley (2-4, 5.40)
Game 2: Will Palmer (3-2, 3.99) vs. Jeff Thomson (4-3, 5.31)
Game 3: Ryan Moore (3-1, 4.65) vs. Les Williams (1-0, 3.60)
Here’s a rundown of the other CAA teams in action this weekend:
George Mason (28-6, 9-3) at VCU (16-12, 5-4)
First place George Mason will look to extend its 1.5 game lead over Georgia State this weekend. Ace Kevin Crum (5-2, 3.42) is the reigning CAA Pitcher of the Week. Joe Van Meter (.398-1-24) is the top hitter for VCU. Neither team has announced its pitching rotation.
James Madison (21-17, 6-6) at Delaware. (21-12, 7-5).
Expect a lot of runs, as each team ranks 1-2 in both batting average and slugging percentage in the CAA, with Delaware (.340, .570) leading the way in both categories. JMU has won four in a row entering the series. Neither team has announced its pitching rotation.
Hofstra (6-21, 2-10) at Old Dominion (12-20, 5-7)
After being pummeled by Delaware last weekend, Hofstra looks to rebound against the Monarchs.
Probable starters (Hofstra listed first)
Rob Kumbatovic (3-4, 6.85) vs. Brett Harris (3-3, 4.47)
Brody Fontaine (0-6, 11.22) vs. Brady Burchill (2-2, 6.00)
Nick Panzarella (0-4, 7.36) vs. Ben Tomchick (2-3, 2.80).
Towson (16-16, 4-5) at William & Mary (13-19, 4-8)
Gary Helmick (.417-10-25) is a key cog in the Towson lineup. William & Mary is paced by Jeff Jones (.367-1-19, 18 steals). Neither team has announced probable pitchers.
UNC Wilmington (21-13, 7-5) will visit non-conference opponent Elon (21-12, 14-4) Saturday.
