RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — Top-ranked North Carolina visits North Carolina State on Thursday night at Doak Field in the opener of a pivotal three-game Atlantic Coast Conference series.

The Tar Heels (41-9-1) enter riding the momentum of a 13-7 win Tuesday at UNC Wilmington. Infielder Gavin Gallaher fueled that victory, going 2 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs. Over his last seven games, Gallaher has hit two homers and driven in 10 runs, providing a consistent power threat from the middle of the lineup.

North Carolina State (31-19) looks to rebound after dropping a series finale 9-5 at Stanford on Sunday. Right-hander Anderson Nance, likely to start Thursday, lasted only 4 1/3 innings in that game, allowing five earned runs on zero hits — the damage coming via six walks. Nance had been sharper in previous outings, striking out nine over 5 2/3 innings against Miami on May 2.

Thursday’s forecast calls for 76 degrees and cloudy skies. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.

The Tar Heels have won six of their last seven overall. Their only loss in that span was a 12-2 defeat to Coastal Carolina on April 28. The Wolfpack have alternated wins and losses over their past five games, with three of those decisions coming against Stanford.

The series continues Friday and Saturday at Doak Field. Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-5 victory for North Carolina.