DURHAM, N.C. (Interstat) — A hot-starting Duke squad looks to continue its strong opening to the season when it hosts Notre Dame on Friday to begin a three-game Atlantic Coast Conference series.

The Blue Devils (12-3) have won 10 of their last 12 games and are coming off a 15-3 midweek rout of Gardner-Webb on Tuesday. Center fielder Michael DiMartini, a key catalyst, went 3 for 4 with two RBIs in that win. For the season, DiMartini is hitting .300 (15 for 50) with a home run and 10 RBIs.

The Fighting Irish (7-3) have rebounded from a 1-2 start to win six of their last seven, including an 11-1 victory over Eastern Michigan on Tuesday. In that game, reliever Xavier Hirsch was sharp, allowing one hit and striking out three over 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Hirsch’s recent outings have been a mixed bag, following a tough appearance against Indiana on Feb. 22 where he allowed four earned runs while recording just one out.

Notre Dame’s early schedule has featured a mix of results, including a road series loss at Florida Atlantic and an extra-inning win over Indiana. Duke’s resume includes a series win over Princeton and a road victory at UNC Wilmington.

The series marks the start of ACC play for both teams. According to Interstat’s game simulator, Friday’s contest projects to be a close one, with a predicted final score of Duke 7, Notre Dame 6.

Following the weekend set, Notre Dame travels to face Queens (N.C.) on Tuesday before an ACC series at Louisville. Duke will visit High Point on Tuesday before hosting Miami (FL) next weekend.