SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — The Baylor Bears and Utah Utes meet Friday at Smith’s Ballpark in a pivotal Big 12 series, with the host Utes seeking a second straight win over the Bears. Utah enters at 26-22 overall, while Baylor sits at 26-26. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. MDT under clear skies.

The Utes won Thursday’s series opener 8-7, fueled by a strong relief outing from right-hander Demitri Diamant. Diamant, a key arm out of the bullpen, tossed 3 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and two earned runs while striking out eight. On the season, he has been effective in high-leverage situations, with 10 strikeouts over his last two appearances across 6 2/3 innings. He also threw 4.0 scoreless innings in a win at BYU on May 1.

Baylor counters with reliever RJ Ruais, who also pitched in Thursday’s game. Ruais threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out two. The right-hander has been used primarily in short stints and has a 1.29 ERA across his last three outings, though he has issued multiple walks in two of those appearances. He has not allowed an earned run in four of his last six relief appearances.

Baylor’s offense is coming off a split with UCF last weekend, winning 8-7 on May 10 after dropping the first two games of that series by a combined 27-3. Shortstop Travis Sanders went 3-for-5 with a home run and an RBI in Thursday’s loss, while right fielder Brady Janusek drove in two runs on a homer.

Utah has won four of its last six, including a 16-9 win over Utah Valley on May 12. First baseman Cameron Gurney went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs in Thursday’s win, and shortstop Matt Flaharty added two hits and two RBIs.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 5-4 Utah victory. The two teams conclude the three-game series Saturday.