Preview: Southern Jaguars at South Florida Bulls

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The surging South Florida Bulls look to continue their strong start when they host the struggling Southern Jaguars in a non-conference baseball game Friday evening at USF Baseball Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under partly cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 83 degrees.

The Bulls (10-3) enter riding momentum from a 12-4 midweek victory over Stetson. South Florida’s offense has been potent, averaging over seven runs per game during its 10-3 start. Shortstop Jevin Relaford is a key catalyst, batting .333 over his last 10 games and driving in two runs in Tuesday’s win.

Conversely, Southern (3-8) seeks to halt a two-game skid after a 14-5 home loss to McNeese State on Tuesday. The Jaguars have been outscored 34-12 in their last three games.

A bright spot for Southern is outfielder Kameron Byrd, who homered and drove in two runs in the loss to McNeese State. Over his last seven games, Byrd is 7-for-22 (.318) with a home run and seven RBIs.

On the mound, both teams will look to rebound from staffs taxed by midweek action. Southern used five pitchers against McNeese State, with Caiden Stewart and Caden Brown providing the most effective relief. South Florida also deployed multiple arms Tuesday, getting scoreless work from Dominic Pontbriant over 2 2/3 innings.

The Bulls have dominated at home, posting a 7-1 record in Tampa this season. Southern is 1-4 in true road games.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, South Florida is projected to win 7-3.

The teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Saturday.