SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — A hot-hitting Appalachian State team looks to extend its winning streak when it visits Gardner-Webb to open a three-game series Friday at John Henry Moss Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 54 degrees under cloudy skies.

The Mountaineers (7-1) have won six straight, including an 8-5 victory at East Tennessee State on Wednesday. Appalachian State’s offense has averaged 9.0 runs per game during the streak. A key catalyst is right fielder Drew DuPont, who is 9 for 19 (.474) with two home runs and eight RBIs over his last five games. He homered and drove in two runs in the midweek win.

Gardner-Webb (6-3) is coming off a 6-2 win over Dartmouth on Sunday. The Runnin’ Bulldogs will likely lean on right-hander Reid Bertram, who delivered a quality start in that victory. Bertram pitched seven strong innings, allowing one earned run on five hits with three strikeouts.

The Mountaineers’ bullpen has been dominant, with relievers Jake Beaty and Nick Dirito combining for four perfect innings and six strikeouts against ETSU. Gardner-Webb’s Matt Ilgenfritz provides a power threat, driving in three runs in the Dartmouth win.

Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-6 Appalachian State victory, while its ELO rating system gives the Mountaineers a 65.1% probability to win.

This series continues Saturday and Sunday in Shelby before both teams face Power Five opponents next week. Appalachian State hosts Wake Forest on Tuesday, while Gardner-Webb travels to Duke.