SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging UC Santa Barbara squad hosts a hot-hitting Saint Mary’s team in a nonconference midweek clash Tuesday at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium.

The Gauchos (12-2) enter on a nine-game winning streak, including a three-game sweep of Long Beach State over the weekend. Their pitching has been a cornerstone, with a team ERA of 2.89. Right-hander Kellan Montgomery, Tuesday’s projected starter, has been dominant, going 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 19.2 innings over his last three starts. He tossed six innings of two-run ball with eight strikeouts in Sunday’s 6-2 win.

The Gaels (9-5) have won seven of their last nine, powered by an offense averaging 8.1 runs per game during that stretch. They took two of three at San Diego State, including a 9-6 victory Sunday. First baseman Makoa Sniffen has been a key force, batting .366 with four home runs and 17 RBIs in his last 10 games. He went 2 for 5 with a homer and five RBIs in the series finale against the Aztecs.

Despite Saint Mary’s offensive prowess, statistical models favor the Gauchos. The Interstat ELO system gives UC Santa Barbara a 68.4% probability to win, though its game simulator projects a narrow 8-7 Saint Mary’s victory.

First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. PDT under clear skies with temperatures around 65 degrees.

The teams will meet again in Moraga on March 24. Saint Mary’s travels to Phoenix for a weekend tournament next, while UC Santa Barbara opens a three-game series at UC Davis on Friday.