Preview: Utah Utes at Kansas Jayhawks

LAWRENCE, Kan. (Interstat) — A wet Big 12 Conference series opener is set for Thursday at Hoglund Ballpark as the Kansas Jayhawks host the Utah Utes.

Forecasts call for 59-degree temperatures and rain at first pitch, potentially impacting the field conditions for both teams.

Kansas (19-10) enters with a slightly better overall record than Utah (16-10). The Jayhawks are riding momentum from an 11-8 road win at Missouri on Tuesday, where reliever Madden Seidl starred with three hitless innings and five strikeouts. Seidl has been dominant lately, not allowing an earned run in his last four appearances spanning eight innings.

Utah arrives after a high-scoring 15-9 victory at Utah Valley on Tuesday. The Utes’ offense has been potent, scoring 13 or more runs in four of their last seven games.

A key player for Utah is first baseman Cameron Gurney, who drove in four runs with a home run in the Tuesday win. Over his last 10 games, Gurney is 19 for 43 (.442) with three homers and 12 RBIs.

For Kansas, Seidl’s arm out of the bullpen will be crucial if the Jayhawks need to protect a late lead.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest projects to be a tight one, with a predicted final score of Kansas 7, Utah 6.

This game begins a three-game series between the conference foes. They are scheduled to meet again Friday and Saturday in Lawrence.