HONOLULU (Interstat) — The surging Hawaii Warriors look to continue their strong start when they host the Ball State Cardinals in a nonconference baseball series opener Thursday at Neal S. Blaisdell Center.

The Warriors (5-1) have won five straight, including a 4-2 victory over Wichita State last Friday in their most recent action. They have shown a knack for close wins, with four of their five victories coming by two runs or fewer, including two extra-inning triumphs.

Hawaii will likely rely on its pitching, anchored by standout right-hander Hekili Robello. In his last start against Wichita State, Robello was dominant, allowing one earned run on four hits while striking out nine over six innings. The Warriors’ bullpen, featuring John Alkire and Saul Soto, has been effective in late innings.

Ball State (4-3) arrives after splitting a four-game series with Merrimack, capped by a 14-6 road win on Sunday. The Cardinals’ offense erupted for 18 hits in that victory, led by right fielder Charlie Keller. The slugger went 3 for 4 with two home runs and six RBIs, rebounding from an 0-for-3 performance the previous day.

Keller’s power will be a key factor for the Cardinals, who have shown offensive volatility. They were shut out 8-0 at Minnesota on Feb. 15 but have also posted eight or more runs in three of their wins.

The series marks the start of a lengthy 10-game homestand for Hawaii. Ball State continues a season-opening road swing that will see them play 13 of their first 14 games away from Muncie, Indiana.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Hawaii is projected to win Thursday’s opener 7-5.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. HST. The teams will meet again Friday and Saturday to complete the three-game set.