LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Interstat) — Two in-state programs seeking momentum will meet Tuesday when the Bellarmine Knights host the Northern Kentucky Norse in a nonconference baseball game at Knights Field.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening under cloudy skies with temperatures around 52 degrees.

The Norse (10-12) enter after dropping two of three at Oakland over the weekend, including an 8-4 loss Sunday. Northern Kentucky’s offense has shown flashes, scoring 31 runs in the series, but consistency has been elusive.

A key catalyst for the Norse is catcher Jake Paulick. He is coming off a powerful performance Sunday, going 4 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs in the loss. Over his last 10 games, Paulick is batting .350 (14 for 40) with two homers and 10 RBIs.

Bellarmine (7-15) also looks to rebound from a tough weekend, having lost a close 8-7 contest at Central Arkansas on Sunday. The Knights’ lineup features a hot hitter in designated hitter AJ Swader. He homered and drove in three runs in each of Bellarmine’s first two games against Central Arkansas, part of a recent surge where he has six homers and 13 RBIs over his last seven games played.

On the mound, both teams will look for stability. In Sunday’s loss, Northern Kentucky relievers Ryan Gill (2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER) and Cody Little provided some solid innings after a short start. For Bellarmine, starter Deaton Oak logged five innings of work Sunday, allowing three earned runs.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Bellarmine holds a slight projection advantage, with a predicted final score of 5-3.

This game is the first of a home-and-home set between the schools this season. They will meet again next Tuesday, March 31, in Highland Heights.

Northern Kentucky begins Horizon League play this weekend against Youngstown State. Bellarmine opens ASUN Conference action at home against North Alabama.