COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Interstat) — The Washington State Cougars (25-23) visit the Air Force Falcons (23-22) on Friday at 6 p.m. MDT at Falcon Baseball Field, with a 66-degree forecast and rain likely.

Both teams open a pivotal three-game series near .500. Washington State dropped a 10-5 decision at Gonzaga on Monday, while Air Force won 8-4 at New Mexico on Sunday.

Cougars third baseman Ollie Obenour enters on a tear. Over his last six games, the senior is 10-for-20 with one home run and 10 RBIs. He went 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBIs in the loss to Gonzaga and 4-for-4 with four RBIs in a 13-3 win over New Mexico on April 26. However, he has also had three 0-for-4 games in that stretch.

Falcons designated hitter Garrett Hutchins has been equally impressive. The junior is 6-for-13 with two homers and 11 RBIs across his last five games, including a 2-for-4, one-homer, four-RBI day Sunday at New Mexico. He also went 4-for-4 with two homers and six RBIs in a 20-10 win over San Jose State on April 24.

A simulator projects a 6-5 Air Force win.

Washington State’s rotation has been inconsistent. Brock Blatter allowed three earned runs in 3 1/3 innings Monday, but Rylan Haider tossed 1 2/3 scoreless frames. Air Force’s Jordan Watkins (4 IP, 1 ER, 2 K) and Sam Hentges (2 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 K) combined effectively Sunday.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday. Washington State hosts Seattle on Tuesday; Air Force visits Oregon State on May 14.