LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Interstat) — The Seton Hall Pirates and Louisville Cardinals are set to open a three-game series Friday at Jim Patterson Stadium, with wet conditions in the forecast for the evening first pitch.

The Cardinals (7-5) enter with a winning record but are looking to rebound from a 13-5 midweek loss to Morehead State on Tuesday. The Pirates (4-4) arrive after splitting a four-game road series at Southern Illinois, winning the finale 4-2 on Sunday.

A key matchup will feature Seton Hall right-hander John Downing against a Louisville lineup powered by catcher Jimmy Nugent. Downing was dominant in his last start, throwing four hitless innings with five strikeouts against Southern Illinois. On the season, he has 11 strikeouts in eight innings.

Nugent has been a consistent offensive force for Louisville. In his last five games, he is 6-for-16 (.375) with five RBIs, including a 3-for-4, three-RBI performance against Eastern Kentucky on Feb. 25.

Both bullpens will be tested. Seton Hall relievers John Higgins and Derek Benzinger combined for four perfect innings with six strikeouts in Sunday’s win. Louisville’s Casen Murphy and Zane Stahl provided scoreless relief in the loss to Morehead State.

Weather could be a factor, with game-time temperatures near 61 degrees and rain expected.

According to Interstat, Louisville is a heavy favorite with an 80.20% probability to win. The game simulator projects a narrow 7-6 victory for the Cardinals.

The series continues with afternoon games on Saturday and Sunday. Seton Hall then visits NJIT on Wednesday, while Louisville hosts Marshall for a two-game midweek set.