COLUMBIA, S.C. (Interstat) — The South Carolina Gamecocks, riding a three-game winning streak, will look to continue their strong early-season form when they host the Queens University Royals on Wednesday afternoon at Carolina Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST under cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-40s.

The Gamecocks (6-2) enter the midweek contest after securing a series sweep over Air Force, capped by a 4-2 victory on Sunday. South Carolina’s bullpen has been a strength, with reliever Alex Valentin turning in a standout performance last weekend. The right-hander threw three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out three in the win over the Falcons.

Queens (3-4), out of the Atlantic Sun Conference, aims to bounce back from a 6-3 loss to North Carolina A&T on Sunday. The Royals will look to starting pitcher Jackson Gowan to set the tone. Gowan was effective in his last start against A&T, striking out six over four innings while allowing two earned runs.

South Carolina’s offense, which averaged 7.1 runs during its recent homestand, will test a Queens pitching staff that has shown volatility. The Royals allowed 11 runs to Radford last week but also held Southern Illinois to two total runs in a doubleheader sweep on Feb. 20.

The Gamecocks have dominated non-conference play at home this season, outscoring opponents 36-8 in their four victories at Carolina Stadium. Designated hitter Will Craddock, who homered in Sunday’s win, provides a power threat in the middle of the lineup.

For Queens, navigating a challenging early schedule continues. After facing South Carolina, the Royals have a three-game set against Army before a daunting stretch that includes games against North Carolina State, Georgia and Notre Dame.

South Carolina now turns its attention to a pivotal weekend, as it prepares to host rival Clemson in a three-game series starting Friday. Wednesday’s game serves as a final tune-up.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is South Carolina 6, Queens 4.