STOCKTON, Calif. (Interstat) — San Diego and Pacific meet Saturday at Klein Family Field in a West Coast Conference series that carries weight for both teams’ postseason hopes. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. with clear skies and a temperature of 78 degrees.

Pacific (20-25) enters the game with a 6-4 advantage in the season series after Friday’s opener, seeking to build momentum following a 2-1 loss to California on Tuesday. The Tigers rank among the conference leaders in home runs but have struggled to string together consistent wins, dropping seven of their last 12.

San Diego (17-27) arrives after Tuesday’s 9-4 loss to UC Irvine, part of a difficult stretch that includes a series loss at Portland. The Toreros have lost eight of their last 11 and rank near the bottom of the WCC in team ERA.

Players to watch

San Diego right-hander Caleb Sebek has been used primarily out of the bullpen and has been wildly inconsistent. Over his last six appearances, Sebek has allowed 13 earned runs in 10 2/3 innings for a 10.97 ERA. He was dominant on May 5 against UC Irvine, pitching a scoreless inning with one strikeout, but surrendered five earned runs without recording an out on April 30 at Portland. His best outing came on April 11 at San Francisco, throwing 3 1/3 scoreless innings with four strikeouts.

Pacific right-hander Liam Smith has worked mostly as a starter this season. Smith logged his best outing of the past month on May 5 against California, allowing two earned runs on six hits over five innings with six strikeouts. He also threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings on April 14 at UC Davis. However, he lasted just one inning on April 11 at Pepperdine, giving up five earned runs. Over his last five appearances, Smith has a 5.27 ERA.

Series context

The Tigers have won the last two meetings, including Friday’s opener. Pacific’s offense has been productive lately, scoring at least six runs in four of its last five wins. San Diego’s pitching staff, by contrast, has allowed eight or more runs in six of its last 11 losses.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-4 Pacific victory.

Up next

The series concludes Sunday at Klein Family Field. San Diego then hosts Loyola Marymount for a three-game set starting May 14. Pacific travels to Cal State Bakersfield on Tuesday before a three-game series at Portland beginning May 14.