KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Tennessee Volunteers, riding high after a dominant midweek victory, will look to continue their strong start when they host the Wright State Raiders in a three-game series opener Friday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with temperatures near 69 degrees.

Tennessee (10-3) enters with significant momentum, having won seven of its last eight games. The Volunteers’ offense exploded for 11 runs in a win over Oakland on Wednesday, highlighted by Blaine Brown’s home run and three hits from Blake Grimmer. On the mound, the Vols have been bolstered by the versatile Taylor Tracey, who struck out seven over three perfect innings of relief in that victory. Tracey has not allowed a run in his last 5 1/3 innings pitched.

Wright State (4-6) aims to build on its first series win of the season, having taken two of three at Campbell last weekend. The Raiders’ strength has been pitching, particularly from starter Warren Hartzell. The right-hander was brilliant in a win at Campbell on Sunday, firing four hitless innings with seven strikeouts. However, his season has been uneven, as he allowed four earned runs without surrendering a hit in a loss at Charlotte on Feb. 22, undone by walks.

The Raiders’ offense will be tested by a Tennessee pitching staff that has posted a 3.12 team ERA. Wright State has been held to three runs or fewer in half of its games this season.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Tennessee victory, with its ELO rating system giving the Volunteers an 85.1% probability to win.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday before Tennessee hosts Tennessee Tech on Tuesday. Wright State travels to Indiana next Tuesday.