AUBURN, Ala. (Interstat) — Georgia visits Auburn on Friday afternoon in a pivotal Southeastern Conference series at Samford Stadium – Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park.

The Bulldogs (42-11) took the series opener 2-1 on Thursday, with right-hander Joey Volchko tossing five scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out six. Second baseman Ryan Wynn homered and drove in the winning run. Georgia has won five straight, including a three-game sweep of LSU last weekend.

Auburn (35-17) lost for the second time in three games. Right-hander Jake Marciano took the loss Thursday despite a quality start (6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 5 K). The Tigers managed only three hits and struck out 12 times.

Friday’s forecast calls for clear skies and a first-pitch temperature of 72 degrees.

The series continues Saturday with the finale. Both teams are jockeying for position in the SEC standings and NCAA tournament seeding.

Georgia’s offense has been potent all season, averaging 8.2 runs per game. The Bulldogs have scored at least 11 runs in five of their past seven games, including a 12-1 rout of LSU on Sunday. Wynn leads the team with 18 home runs, and the bullpen has posted a 2.91 ERA over the last 10 games.

Auburn counters with a lineup that has been inconsistent. The Tigers were held to one run Thursday after scoring 18 runs in a win at Texas A&M on May 2. Third baseman Mason McCraine went 1-for-3 in the opener but is hitting .327 with 12 homers. Right-hander Jackson Sanders worked three scoreless innings of relief Thursday.

The pitching matchup Friday has not been announced. Volchko (7-2, 3.12 ERA) worked five innings Thursday and would be on short rest. Marciano (5-4, 3.89 ERA) also pitched Thursday. Both are expected to be available if needed in relief.

Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-6 Georgia victory, with the Bulldogs holding a 52.30% win probability according to its ELO system.

Georgia has won seven of its last nine against Auburn, including a three-game sweep in Athens last season. The Bulldogs are aiming for a fifth consecutive SEC series win.

Auburn is trying to avoid its first three-game losing streak since March. The Tigers are 8-6 in one-run games this season.

First pitch is set for 3 p.m. CT. The game will stream on SEC Network+.