CINCINNATI (Interstat) — The surging Cincinnati Bearcats will look to continue their strong start when they visit crosstown foe Xavier on Tuesday evening at Marge Schott Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures around 51 degrees.

The Bearcats (19-7) enter having won seven of their last nine games, including a 20-10 rout of Utah on Saturday. They are coming off a 13-11 home loss to the Utes on Sunday, despite a home run and two RBIs from right fielder Derrick Pitts.

Pitts has been a key offensive catalyst, driving in 12 runs over his last 10 games. He went 3 for 4 with an RBI in Cincinnati’s 9-8, 11-inning win over UC San Diego on March 8.

Xavier (7-18) seeks to halt a four-game skid after dropping three of four at home to Wofford, including an 8-5 decision Sunday. Musketeers right fielder Clay Burdette provided a bright spot, going 2 for 4 with an RBI. Burdette is batting .429 (9 for 21) over his last six contests, highlighted by a three-hit, four-RBI performance that included a home run in a win over Evansville on March 13.

The Bearcats’ offense has been potent, scoring nine or more runs in eight of their last 11 outings. In addition to Pitts, designated hitter Enzo Infelise and second baseman Jackson Smith each drove in two runs in Sunday’s loss.

Xavier’s pitching staff will aim to contain that attack. Reliever Nick Boyle struck out three in a perfect inning of work Sunday, while starter Ashton Chronister went 4 2/3 innings.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Cincinnati is projected to win 8-2.

Following the midweek clash, Cincinnati opens a three-game home series against Kansas on Friday. Xavier begins Big East play with a road series at Connecticut on Friday.