PHOENIX (Interstat) — New Mexico visits Grand Canyon on Friday in a Mountain West series opener at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. with a forecast of 91 degrees and clouds.

The Lobos (25-20-1) carry a .556 winning percentage into the matchup but have dropped two of their last three, including an 8-4 loss to Air Force on Sunday. Grand Canyon (17-28) is coming off a 6-1 defeat at San Jose State the same day.

New Mexico’s Josh Barnhouse will be a key arm to watch out of the bullpen. The right-hander has appeared in seven of the Lobos’ last 10 games, posting a 2.70 ERA over 10.1 innings in that span. He threw 2.1 scoreless innings against Air Force on Sunday with one hit allowed and one strikeout. Earlier in the week, Barnhouse worked 0.1 innings against New Mexico State and allowed one earned run. He has not allowed an earned run in four of his last five outings.

Grand Canyon counters with Garrett Ahern, another reliever who has been effective recently. Ahern tossed 2.0 scoreless innings against San Jose State on Sunday, allowing no hits and striking out two. He has not surrendered a run in his last two appearances covering 3.0 innings.

The Antelopes (17-28) have struggled overall this season but have shown resilience, winning three of their last six games. Grand Canyon’s offense erupted for 16 runs in a win over Air Force on April 19 and plated 10 runs against BYU on April 27. The pitching staff, however, has allowed at least eight runs in six of their last 10 contests.

New Mexico’s lineup features Antonio Gianni, who went 3-for-3 with an RBI against Air Force on Sunday. Talor Grubbs also contributed 2.0 innings of one-run ball in that game.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Grand Canyon is projected to win 4-3. The Interstat ELO system gives the Antelopes a 60.50 percent probability of victory.

The three-game series continues Saturday and Sunday before both teams return to midweek action. New Mexico hosts New Mexico State on Tuesday, while Grand Canyon welcomes Arizona State the same day.