Preview: Citadel Bulldogs at No. -- Kentucky Wildcats

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — The red-hot Kentucky Wildcats look to continue their strong start when they host The Citadel Bulldogs in a three-game nonconference series opener Friday at Kentucky Proud Park.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening, with a forecast of 62 degrees and rain.

The Wildcats (11-2) have won 10 of their last 11 games, including an 8-4 victory over Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday. Shortstop Luke Lawrence has been a key contributor, hitting safely in seven of his last eight games. He homered and drove in two runs in the midweek win.

Kentucky’s lineup will face a Citadel team seeking consistency. The Bulldogs evened their record at 5-5 with a 7-1 win over Georgia Southern on Wednesday but were swept in a three-game series at Florida State last weekend.

Citadel’s offense is powered by outfielder TJ Anderson, who has two home runs and six RBIs in his last three games played. He went 2 for 4 with a homer and three RBIs in Wednesday’s victory.

The Wildcats have been dominant at home, going 7-1 at Kentucky Proud Park this season. Their pitching staff has allowed three or fewer runs in eight of their 13 games.

Citadel will begin a challenging stretch, facing Power Five conference opponents in five of its next six games after this series.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Kentucky 7, Citadel 3.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday afternoons in Lexington.