(Interstat) — SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State looks to build on a series-opening shutout when it hosts Marshall in a Sun Belt matchup Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT at Bobcat Ballpark.

The Bobcats (32-22) opened the three-game set Thursday with a 5-0 win, getting six scoreless innings from Ryan Markwardt. The right-hander allowed two hits and struck out nine. First baseman Jaquae Stewart went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.

Marshall (23-29) managed three hits in the opener. The Thundering Herd has dropped seven of its last 10 games.

Friday’s forecast calls for clear skies and 90 degrees at first pitch.

Pitching matchup

Marshall right-hander Bryce Blevins (4-4, 5.16 ERA) is scheduled to start against Texas State righty Ryan Markwardt (3-2, 3.21 ERA) in a rematch of Thursday’s starters.

Blevins took the loss in the opener despite allowing no hits over seven innings. He issued five walks and struck out three, matching his season high for walks. The senior from Ashland, Kentucky, has surrendered four earned runs in each of his last two starts against Texas State, both losses.

Markwardt extended his scoreless streak to 6 2/3 innings with Thursday’s outing. The junior from San Antonio has not allowed an earned run in his last 8 2/3 innings across three appearances. He struck out seven in three innings of relief May 10 at Arkansas State.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-4 Texas State win, with the Bobcats holding a 68.6 percent win probability per ELO ratings.

Series notes

Texas State has won four of its last five games. Marshall has lost four straight.

The Bobcats are 18-10 at home this season. Marshall is 9-16 on the road.

Thursday’s game marked the only meeting between the teams this season before the weekend series. The programs last met in 2023, when Texas State took two of three in San Marcos.

Marshall second baseman Tyler Kamerer went 1-for-4 in the opener. Stewart’s home run was his sixth of the season.

The series continues Saturday at 2 p.m. CT.