MANHATTAN, Kan. (Interstat) — The Kansas State Wildcats, riding a strong start to the season, will look to continue their momentum when they host the SIU Edwardsville Cougars in a three-game nonconference series opener Friday at Tointon Family Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 61 degrees.

The Wildcats (7-3) enter having won four of their last five, including a 5-2 victory over Columbia on Feb. 28 where starter Lincoln Sheffield delivered a standout performance. The right-hander struck out eight over 6 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits. He is expected to take the mound again Friday, aiming to build on a season where he has logged 13 1/3 innings with 10 earned runs and nine strikeouts across two starts.

Kansas State’s offense has shown potency, scoring 10 or more runs in three games this season, including a 24-run outburst against Penn State on Feb. 15.

SIU Edwardsville (5-8) arrives after a tough 8-7 walk-off loss to Bradley on Tuesday. The Cougars have lost three of their last four, though their offense has been productive at times, scoring seven or more runs in four games.

A key catalyst for the Cougars is right fielder Terrick Thompson-Allen. He is coming off a 3-for-5 performance with a home run and two RBIs in the loss to Bradley. Over his last eight games, Thompson-Allen is batting .281 (9-for-32) with two home runs and 10 RBIs.

The Wildcats hold a distinct advantage in the projected pitching matchup. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 7-3 Kansas State victory, a margin that aligns with the teams’ early-season trajectories.

This series marks the first meeting between the programs. Following Friday’s contest, the teams will meet again Saturday and Sunday to complete the series before both embark on extended road stretches.

Kansas State will host Wichita State next Tuesday before a pivotal road series at Houston next weekend. SIU Edwardsville continues its road swing with a midweek game at Southern Illinois before opening Ohio Valley Conference play at Morehead State on March 20.