MONROE, La. (Interstat) — Troy and Louisiana-Monroe, two Sun Belt Conference rivals separated by a single win in the standings, meet Thursday for a pivotal afternoon and evening doubleheader at Warhawk Field.

The Trojans (27-26) bring a 14-5 victory over UAB on Tuesday into the series opener. Louisiana-Monroe (26-26) enters on a 7-5 win at Marshall on Sunday.

First pitch Thursday is scheduled under clear skies with a temperature of 83 degrees.

Trojans center fielder Steven Meier is the hottest hitter in the lineup. In his past 10 games, Meier is batting .345 (10-for-29) with two home runs and eight RBIs, including a 3-for-4, two-homer, seven-RBI performance Tuesday against UAB.

Warhawks left fielder Bryce Blaser anchors the Louisiana-Monroe attack. Over his last 10 games, Blaser is hitting .278 (10-for-36) with one home run and 10 RBIs. He went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs in Sunday’s win at Marshall.

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

The series continues with single games Friday and Saturday.