BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Interstat) — Two Big West Conference rivals seeking momentum will open a three-game series Friday when Cal State Bakersfield hosts Cal State Fullerton at Hardt Field.

The Roadrunners (5-8) and Titans (4-8) enter the weekend with nearly identical records after both dropped midweek contests. Cal State Bakersfield fell 15-6 at California on Wednesday, while Cal State Fullerton lost 4-3 in 10 innings at UCLA on Tuesday.

A player to watch for the Roadrunners is first baseman Evan Cloyd, who brings a hot bat into the series. He went 3 for 3 with three RBIs against California and is coming off a Sunday performance at Texas Tech where he was 3 for 3 with two home runs and four RBIs in a 15-8 victory.

For the Titans, reliever Jason Krakoski has been a bright spot. He threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings with one strikeout in the extra-inning loss to UCLA. In his last three outings, he has not allowed a hit or an earned run.

Both teams have struggled for consistency early in the season. The Titans have lost four of their last five, including a series loss to Xavier last weekend. The Roadrunners have dropped five of their last seven, though their offense showed life in the win at Texas Tech.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Cal State Bakersfield is projected to win Friday’s opener by a score of 4-2.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday at Hardt Field.