NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — The Norfolk State Spartans, riding a three-game winning streak, will visit the VCU Rams in a non-conference matchup Tuesday afternoon at The Diamond.

First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. The Spartans (7-15) swept a weekend series from Delaware State, capped by an 11-5 victory Sunday. The Rams (13-10) dropped two of three at Dayton over the weekend, including a 14-12 shootout loss Sunday.

Norfolk State shortstop Jaydan Israel enters as a hot hitter. He went 3 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs in Sunday’s win and is batting .429 (9 for 21) with two homers and eight RBIs over his last six games.

VCU will counter with power from right fielder Trent Adelman. He drove in five runs, including a home run, in Sunday’s loss at Dayton. Adelman has 10 RBIs in his last three games.

On the mound, Norfolk State’s Ethan Blakeney delivered a solid start Sunday, allowing two earned runs over 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts. VCU reliever Cade Dressler provided two scoreless innings of relief in the same game.

The Spartans’ recent surge follows a difficult stretch where they lost seven of eight games. VCU has been inconsistent in midweek play, with a loss at Virginia Tech last Wednesday.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest projects to be a close one, with a predicted final score of VCU 7, Norfolk State 6.

This game begins a busy stretch for both teams. Norfolk State travels to Mercyhurst for a three-game series starting Friday. VCU opens Atlantic 10 Conference play at home against Saint Bonaventure on Friday.