GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — The surging Florida Gators, ranked among the nation’s elite with a 23-6 record, host the struggling Jacksonville Dolphins in a non-conference matchup Tuesday at Alfred A. McKethan Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening under cloudy skies with a temperature near 78 degrees.

The game presents a stark contrast in momentum. Florida arrives having won three of its last four, including a road series victory at then-Arkansas. The Gators capped that set with a 7-6 win Sunday, powered by a 4-for-5 day from first baseman Ethan Surowiec, who homered, and a 3-for-5 effort from shortstop Brendan Lawson.

Jacksonville (12-16) seeks to halt a three-game skid after being swept at home by North Florida. The Dolphins fell 12-6 on Sunday, despite two hits and three RBIs from shortstop Sammy Mummau.

A key matchup will feature Jacksonville right-hander Brendan Holland on the mound. Holland has been inconsistent, coming off a loss where he allowed five hits and four earned runs over five innings against North Florida. However, he tossed six no-hit innings with eight strikeouts in a hard-luck loss at Queens (N.C.) on March 22.

Florida will counter with reliever-turned-starter Russell Sandefer. The right-hander delivered a crucial performance at Arkansas last Sunday, earning the win with 5 2/3 innings of relief, allowing no hits and striking out six after the Gators’ starter exited early. Sandefer has been a versatile weapon, logging multiple innings in several key victories this season.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Florida is projected to win 7-3.

The Gators begin a pivotal SEC series against Mississippi on Thursday. Jacksonville opens a three-game set with Stetson on Thursday.