OMAHA, Neb. (Interstat) — The Omaha Mavericks and Wichita State Shockers open a three-game series Thursday evening at Eck Stadium, with both teams looking to build momentum early in the season.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures near 69 degrees.

The Mavericks (3-3) arrive after splitting a two-game set at Western Michigan, highlighted by a 9-4 victory on Saturday. Omaha will look to starter Sam Beck, who was dominant in that win, throwing five hitless and scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Offensively, Tyler Bishop went 4 for 5 with two RBIs and Hayden Lewis added a two-run homer in the victory.

Wichita State (4-2) returns home after dropping two of three at Hawaii. The Shockers fell 4-2 in their last outing on Friday despite a strong start from Brady Hamilton, who pitched seven innings without allowing a hit, though he was charged with four earned runs. The Shockers’ offense was potent in a four-game sweep of Northern Colorado to open the season, outscoring the Bears 43-8.

Thursday’s matchup features a contrast in recent pitching performances. Beck will aim to continue his flawless form for Omaha, while Hamilton seeks a cleaner result for Wichita State after his hard-luck loss.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projection favors the Shockers, 6-4.

The series continues with games on Friday and Saturday in Wichita.