CHICAGO (Interstat) — Illinois-Chicago looks to build on a series-opening victory when it hosts Youngstown State on Saturday afternoon in the second game of a three-game set at Les Miller Field at Curtis Granderson Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures forecast near 70 degrees.

The Flames (16-23) defeated the Penguins 10-7 on Friday, snapping a two-game skid. Illinois-Chicago is 5-4 over its last nine games after dropping seven of eight prior to that stretch.

Jake Busson has been a consistent offensive force for UIC. The second baseman went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs in Friday’s win, raising his production to 7-for-22 over his last six games with four multi-hit performances. Busson is hitting .500 (8-for-16) with two homers and nine RBIs over his last four contests.

Busson’s recent surge includes a 2-for-4 effort with a solo home run in an 8-2 victory against Murray State on April 11, and a 2-for-6 showing in a 12-inning win over Valparaiso.

Senior right-hander Mason Lei is expected to start for UIC. Lei tossed 6 1/3 innings Friday, allowing five earned runs on six hits with seven strikeouts. He has been a reliable arm in the rotation, keeping the Flames competitive in recent outings.

Youngstown State (9-32) has lost 10 of its last 11 games. The Penguins rank among the worst teams in the Horizon League standings.

Youngstown State center fielder James Carlson has been the team’s top offensive player this week. Carlson homered and drove in five runs against UIC on Friday. His power display is a bright spot in an otherwise bleak stretch, though he is 0-for-6 in his last two games overall.

The Penguins have been outscored 81-42 over their last seven games. Youngstown State allowed 20-plus runs in two of its past five contests.

Tyler Heflin struggled Friday, allowing four earned runs over four innings for the Penguins. Garrett Cutting contributed a home run in the loss.

The game is the second in a four-game season series. Youngstown State hosts Northern Kentucky next weekend while UIC travels to Evansville.

An Interstat simulation projects the Flames as the likely winner with a 6-3 final score.