HAMMOND, La. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to steady their early-season momentum will meet Friday when the Southeastern Louisiana Lions host the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks in the opener of a three-game series at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under clear skies with a temperature near 62 degrees.

The Lions (9-8) and Lumberjacks (10-7) enter with nearly identical records. Southeastern Louisiana seeks to rebound from a 10-3 midweek loss at South Alabama, while Stephen F. Austin aims to bounce back from a 14-1 defeat at Texas A&M on Tuesday.

A key matchup will feature Stephen F. Austin pitcher Noah O’Farrell against a hot Southeastern Louisiana lineup. O’Farrell, a player to watch for the Lumberjacks, has struggled in recent relief appearances, allowing 11 earned runs over 5 1/3 innings in his last three outings. He pitched four innings against Texas A&M, giving up four earned runs.

The Lions’ offense is powered by designated hitter Giovanni Licciardi, who is batting .500 (8 for 16) with five RBIs over his last five games. Licciardi went 3 for 5 with an RBI in the loss to South Alabama.

Stephen F. Austin had won three of four before the loss to the Aggies, including a series win over Lamar. Southeastern Louisiana had won five straight before the midweek setback.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Southeastern Louisiana 7, Stephen F. Austin 5.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday at Pat Kenelly Diamond.