LAKE CHARLES, La. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in the Southland Conference will meet Friday when the McNeese State Cowboys host the Incarnate Word Cardinals in a three-game series opener at Sudduth Coliseum.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 79 degrees.

Both teams enter with nearly identical overall records. The visiting Cardinals are 15-17, while the Cowboys sit at 15-16. Each is looking to build on a midweek victory after recent conference struggles.

Incarnate Word was routed 16-4 in seven innings at Texas on Tuesday, though pitcher Hayden Capers provided a bright spot with 2 2/3 innings of hitless relief. The senior right-hander, a key player to watch, has been inconsistent, mixing dominant outings like a six-inning, one-run win at New Orleans on March 14 with rougher appearances.

McNeese State edged Grambling 4-1 on Tuesday, powered by a strong bullpen effort. Reliever Eric Nachtsheim struck out all four batters he faced in 1 2/3 innings. The right-hander has been a standout, firing five scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts in a win at New Orleans on April 2.

At the plate, Incarnate Word’s Cris Enriquez and Tyler Garritano, who combined for four hits and two RBIs against Texas, will aim to spark the offense. McNeese State’s pitching staff will counter after holding Grambling to one run on four hits.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is McNeese State 4, Incarnate Word 3.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday in Lake Charles.