SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — Gardner-Webb looks to continue its push toward the Big South tournament when it hosts Presbyterian on Friday night at John Henry Moss Stadium.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs (23-29) are 6-4 in their last 10 games but have dropped two straight, including a 1-11 loss at Charlotte on Tuesday. Gardner-Webb is projected to rebound Friday, with the Interstat game simulator forecasting a 4-1 victory.

Sophomore right-hander Trey Graydon is a key arm for the Bulldogs. In his most recent outing Tuesday, Graydon tossed three scoreless innings of relief against Charlotte, allowing no hits and striking out two. He will likely be called upon again from the bullpen, as Gardner-Webb’s pitching staff has struggled with consistency: the Bulldogs have surrendered 11 or more runs in three of their past five losses.

Presbyterian (11-41) enters on a seven-game losing streak. The Blue Hose were routed 14-3 by Western Carolina on Tuesday, with freshman reliever Jeremiah Hampton providing one bright spot – two innings of one-run ball with three strikeouts. Hampton has a 7.27 ERA across 17 appearances this season but has held opponents scoreless in three of his last four outings. He is a candidate to start or work multiple innings Friday.

The Blue Hose have lost 10 straight road games and have not won away from home since April 11. Offensively, Presbyterian averages just 3.5 runs per game and has been held to three or fewer runs in 12 of its last 14 contests.

The teams played Thursday in the first game of the series (Gardner-Webb won, no score provided). The series concludes Saturday.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m. under clear skies, with temperatures around 70 degrees.

For Gardner-Webb, the projected lineup includes sluggers who have produced in recent home games. The Runnin’ Bulldogs have won 14 of 25 at John Henry Moss Stadium this season. Presbyterian is 3-21 on the road.

The Big South series carries little postseason implication for the Blue Hose, who are eliminated from tournament contention. Gardner-Webb, however, is fighting for seeding and can improve its standing with two more wins.

Friday’s probable pitchers were not announced, but Hampton and Graydon are among the most impactful arms on each staff. Hampton’s command remains an issue – he has walked 18 batters in 29 innings – but his strikeout rate (9.3 per nine innings) gives Presbyterian a chance early. Graydon has a 4.50 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP in 14 appearances.

The Blue Hose will need to jump on Gardner-Webb’s pitching early; the Bulldogs’ bullpen has a 5.67 ERA in conference play. Presbyterian’s offense has mustered only three runs in its last 18 innings.