RIDER, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Rider Broncs and Niagara Purple Eagles meet Saturday in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader at Bobo Field, with the first game set for the afternoon and the nightcap under the lights.

Rider (23-15) and Niagara (21-15-1) split the first two games of their series after the Purple Eagles routed the Broncs 12-3 on Friday. Saturday’s forecast calls for 46 degrees and cloudy skies.

The Broncs enter with momentum from a midweek win over Stony Brook but have dropped three of their last four MAAC contests. Rider’s pitching staff will look to rebound after allowing 12 runs on Friday, when starter PJ Craig lasted 5.0 innings, surrendering five earned runs while striking out six. Craig (5.0 IP, 0 H, 5 ER, 6 K in that outing) has been inconsistent this season, following a dominant 5.1-inning, zero-earned-run performance against Monmouth on April 24 with a rocky outing against Fairfield on April 10. The right-hander will be a key factor Saturday if he takes the mound.

Niagara’s lineup has been explosive, scoring double-digit runs in four of its last six games. Left fielder Curtis McKay has been the catalyst, going 3 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs in Friday’s win. Over his last 10 games, McKay is hitting .366 with two homers and 16 RBIs, providing a consistent middle-of-the-order presence. The Purple Eagles’ pitching, led by Reuben Malamed (4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 8 K on Friday), has been solid during their recent surge.

The teams split their first two meetings this weekend. Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-7 Rider win, with the Broncs holding a 56.9% win probability per its ELO system.

Rider continues its road swing Sunday at Niagara before visiting Rutgers on Wednesday. Niagara hosts Le Moyne on Tuesday before a weekend series at Manhattan.

First pitch Saturday is scheduled for 1 p.m. for Game 1, with Game 2 to follow approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion.