DALLAS (Interstat) — Jacksonville State visits Dallas Baptist on Friday in a Conference USA series opener at Ellis Davis Field House, with both teams looking to build momentum after Thursday’s 13-3 Patriots victory.

First pitch is set for 7 p.m. under clear skies and 90-degree heat.

Jacksonville State (41-12) owns the league’s best record and has won seven of its last 10 games, but the Gamecocks were routed Thursday as Dallas Baptist scored in six of eight innings. Brady Thomas, a two-way player serving as designated hitter and pitcher, went 3 for 3 with an RBI for Jacksonville State in that loss. Over his last 10 games, Thomas is batting .333 (10 for 30) with two home runs and six RBIs, though he struggled against Missouri State earlier this month.

Dallas Baptist (30-23) snapped a three-game skid with Thursday’s victory. Liam Watt will take the mound for the Patriots. The right-hander threw six innings Thursday, allowing two earned runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. Watt owns a 3.09 ERA over his last three starts, including a complete-game win against Louisiana Tech on May 1 in which he struck out 10 and allowed one run.

Thursday’s win was powered by Ben Tryon (3 for 4, home run, three RBIs) and Cooper Neville (2 for 4, home run, three RBIs) for the Patriots.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-5 Jacksonville State victory, though the site’s ELO system gives Dallas Baptist a 64.9 percent probability to win.

The Gamecocks have been strong on the road, winning series at Missouri State and sweeping New Mexico State in late April. Dallas Baptist has split its last six home games.

Both teams have a quick turnaround as the series continues Saturday at the same venue.