LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Tuesday evening when the surging UCLA Bruins host the struggling Loyola Marymount Lions in a nonconference baseball game at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. PDT under cloudy skies with temperatures around 65 degrees.

The Bruins (21-2) enter as one of the nation’s hottest teams, having won 12 of their last 13 games, including a weekend sweep of Maryland where they outscored the Terrapins 34-9. UCLA’s lineup is averaging over eight runs per game during its current five-game win streak.

Meanwhile, the Lions (7-19) are mired in a difficult stretch, having lost 10 of their last 12 contests. They are coming off a frustrating weekend series at home against Portland, losing three one-run games, including a 4-3 defeat on Sunday.

A key matchup will feature Lions right-hander Avery Laine against the heart of the Bruins’ order. Laine (1-3, 9.15 ERA) has been inconsistent, delivering a quality start against Davidson (6.0 IP, 1 ER) and a solid 5.1-inning outing last time out against Portland, but also suffering brutal relief appearances against Abilene Christian and Arizona State where he allowed 13 earned runs over 3.2 combined innings.

He will be opposed by UCLA’s reliable reliever-turned-starter Landon Stump (4-0, 3.38 ERA). Stump has been a pillar of stability for the Bruins’ staff, earning wins in each of his last four appearances. His best performance was a five-inning, one-hit, seven-strikeout gem against Michigan on March 15.

UCLA’s offense is powered by a deep lineup. First baseman Mulivai Levu is coming off a perfect 3-for-3, two-RBI performance Sunday. The Lions will look to third baseman Nate Stiveson, who drove in all three runs in Sunday’s loss, to provide a spark.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Bruins are projected to continue their dominant run with a 7-2 victory.

Following the midweek contest, Loyola Marymount begins West Coast Conference play at Santa Clara on Friday. UCLA opens a Big Ten road series at Iowa on Friday.