PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Portland Pilots, boasting one of the West Coast’s best records, host the Saint Mary’s Gaels in a three-game series opener Friday at Joe Etzel Field, with first pitch slated for clear skies and 54-degree weather.

Portland (15-7) enters on a strong run, having won eight of its last nine games. The Pilots are powered by a pitching staff that has allowed three or fewer runs in five of those victories. Right-hander Carter Gaston (3-0, 1.80 ERA in recent starts) is a key reason, coming off a dominant 7-inning, 1-run performance in Monday’s 8-3 win over Northwestern.

Saint Mary’s (12-11) looks to build momentum after a 10-4 win over UC Santa Barbara on Tuesday. The Gaels’ offense revolves around catcher Ian Armstrong, who went 3 for 5 with two home runs and four RBIs in that victory. Armstrong is batting .500 (12 for 24) with three homers and nine RBIs over his last six games.

The series marks the start of West Coast Conference play for both teams. The Pilots have been formidable at home, while the Gaels have shown resilience, including a series win over Pepperdine last weekend.

Projections are split. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 7-4 Portland victory, but its ELO rating system gives a slight 51.9% probability to Saint Mary’s.

Following Friday’s contest, the series continues Saturday and Sunday at Joe Etzel Field.