ELON, N.C. (Interstat) — The Elon Phoenix look to move above .500 when they host the struggling North Carolina A&T Aggies in a nonconference baseball series opener Friday evening at Walter C. Latham Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under forecasted cloudy skies and 76-degree temperatures. The matchup is organized by the Colonial Athletic Association.

Elon (6-6) enters having split its last six games. The Phoenix are coming off a 5-1 loss at North Carolina on Tuesday, where starter Owen Winebarger turned in a strong performance despite the defeat. The left-hander threw five hitless innings, allowing two earned runs.

North Carolina A&T (2-10) seeks to halt a five-game skid, including a 13-1 home loss to UNC Greensboro on Tuesday. Aggies reliever Benny Whiteaker has been a bright spot, posting three consecutive scoreless appearances spanning 2 2/3 innings.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 4-1 Elon victory, giving the Phoenix a 69.6% probability to win based on its ELO rating system.

The teams will meet again Saturday and Sunday to complete the three-game set. Elon then visits North Carolina State next Tuesday, while North Carolina A&T hosts UNC Greensboro next Wednesday.