WACO, Texas (Interstat) — The UCF Knights (27-18) will open a crucial Big 12 series against the Baylor Bears (25-23) at 6 p.m. Friday at Baylor Ballpark, with the Interstat game simulator projecting a 6-3 victory for the visitors.

UCF enters the game with a 57.1 percent probability to win, according to the simulator’s ELO system. The Knights are coming off a 6-5 loss to Florida Atlantic on Tuesday, a game in which reliever Wyatt Dion threw 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing no hits. Dion is expected to be a key figure out of the bullpen again Friday.

The Knights have split their last six games, taking two of three from Arizona State at home before the midweek defeat. UCF’s offense has been inconsistent, scoring three or fewer runs in three of its last five outings. The team’s pitching staff, however, has been reliable, with Max Murray and Zachary Malvasio also posting scoreless appearances in Tuesday’s loss.

Baylor, meanwhile, is trying to snap a two-game skid after a 9-6 loss to Texas State on Tuesday. Shortstop Travis Sanders has been the Bears’ most consistent hitter, going 2-for-5 with a home run and an RBI in that game. Over his last 10 games, Sanders is hitting .308 with three home runs and eight RBIs, including a 3-for-4 performance with a homer and an RBI in an 8-1 win over Texas Tech on May 2.

The Bears have struggled recently, losing eight of their last 12 contests. Their pitching has been a concern, allowing nine or more runs in three of their last five games. First baseman Tyce Armstrong has been a bright spot, going 2-for-3 with an RBI in Tuesday’s loss.

The forecast calls for clear skies and 67 degrees at first pitch.

Friday’s game is the first of a three-game series, with the teams meeting again Saturday and Sunday. UCF will host Bethune-Cookman on Tuesday before a key home series against Kansas State. Baylor travels to Utah next week for a three-game set.

The Knights hold a slight edge in the season series, but both teams are looking to improve their positioning in the Big 12 standings ahead of the conference tournament.