JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A top-25 showdown between in-state foes awaits Tuesday at Rudy Abbott Field, where Jacksonville State hosts Auburn in a nonconference clash.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures around 72 degrees.

Jacksonville State (40-11) enters riding a wave of momentum after taking two of three from Kennesaw State over the weekend. The Gamecocks have won 10 of their past 12 games and feature one of the nation’s stingiest pitching staffs, led by right-hander Steven Cash.

Cash (6-1) has been dominant in his past two starts, allowing just two hits and no earned runs over 10 1/3 innings. He struck out five in six innings of a 4-3 win against Kennesaw State on Sunday, following a four-inning, two-run outing at Missouri State. The junior has 22 strikeouts against 10 walks in his last 24 frames.

Auburn (35-15) counter with right-hander Alex Petrovic, who has been a stabilizing force in the rotation. He struck out four over 5 1/3 innings of one-hit ball in a 13-2 win at Mississippi State on Saturday, his third victory in four decisions. Petrovic has allowed 2.5 earned runs per start over his last four outings, striking out 18 in 23 2/3 innings.

The Tigers are coming off a series win in Starkville, taking two of three from the Bulldogs. Auburn’s offense was clicking Saturday, with third baseman Eric Guevara going 3 for 5 with three RBIs and second baseman Chris Rembert adding a home run and three RBIs.

Jacksonville State’s lineup has been balanced, with relievers Maddox McDougall and Skyler Hutto closing the door in tight games. The Gamecocks also have a deep bullpen that posted zeros over the final 2 2/3 innings Sunday.

The two teams met less than six weeks ago in Auburn, where Jacksonville State rolled to a 15-4 victory. That game was part of a nonconference schedule that has seen the Gamecocks outscore opponents 148-62 at home.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-6 Jacksonville State win, reflecting the competitiveness of a series that has featured lopsided margins in recent meetings.

Auburn opens a home series against Georgia on Thursday while Jacksonville State travels to Dallas Baptist for a three-game set beginning Thursday.