LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Interstat) — Florida International visits New Mexico State on Friday at Presley Askew Field in a Conference USA series opener between two teams near the bottom of the standings.

The Golden Panthers (18-34) hold a one-game edge over the Aggies (17-33) in the loss column. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. MDT, with a forecast of 86 degrees and rain.

FIU shortstop Mario Trivella enters as a key threat after a 3-for-5 performance Thursday in the series opener, a 17-12 Golden Panthers victory. Trivella homered twice and drove in five runs. Over his past 10 games, he has four multi-hit outings and four home runs.

New Mexico State first baseman Steve Solorzano also had a strong game Thursday, going 2 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs. However, Solorzano has just one multi-hit game in his past nine contests, and the Aggies have lost eight of their last nine overall.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 4-3 final score, with an ELO-based win probability of 51.4% for Florida International.

The teams conclude the series with a Saturday matchup.