JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — A surging Jacksonville State squad aims to continue its strong start when it hosts a .500 Valparaiso team in a nonconference series opener Friday at Rudy Abbott Field.

The Gamecocks (10-3) have won 10 of their last 11 games, including a road sweep at Memphis last weekend. Their only stumble in that stretch was a narrow 6-5 loss at Alabama on Tuesday. Third baseman Matthew Cash, who drove in two runs in that game, is part of a lineup providing steady support for a deep pitching staff.

A key arm out of the bullpen is Jackson Sleeper, who has not allowed a hit over his last four innings of work, striking out seven. In Tuesday’s loss at Alabama, he fired two perfect innings with three strikeouts.

They face a Valparaiso team (5-5) coming off a series win at Alabama State, capped by a 3-1 victory on Sunday. The Beacons’ pitching was dominant in that win, with starter Nick Baffa and relievers Ryan Kruse and Justin Bultemeier combining for a one-hitter.

Baffa, a player to watch for the Beacons, was brilliant in that outing, striking out six over five innings while allowing just one unearned run. His recent form has been solid, though he was tagged for four runs in a win at Presbyterian on Feb. 22.

The Beacons have shown offensive firepower, erupting for 21 runs in that game at Presbyterian, but have also been held to three runs or fewer in four of their five losses.

Friday’s forecast calls for cloudy skies and a game-time temperature near 70 degrees.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Jacksonville State 7, Valparaiso 5.

The series continues with games on Saturday and Sunday.