TUCSON, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Houston Cougars (21-28) face the Arizona Wildcats (17-31) on Sunday afternoon in a Big 12 series finale at Hi Corbett Field. First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon under clear skies with a forecast high of 87 degrees.

Houston took the series opener 7-4 on Friday. Right-hander Kendall Hoffman earned the win, working 7.0 innings with no hits allowed, four earned runs and six strikeouts. Shortstop Tyler Cox went 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Saturday’s result was not immediately available at press time.

Hoffman is a player to watch for the Cougars. Over his past four starts, he has recorded 21 strikeouts in 27.2 innings but has surrendered 16 earned runs. He also won his most recent outing against Arizona on Friday; in his prior three starts, he allowed 12 earned runs in 20.2 innings.

For Arizona, right-hander Corey Kling is a key arm. In his last six appearances, spanning 15.2 innings, Kling has a 3.86 ERA with 16 strikeouts and no home runs allowed. He gave up no earned runs in his most recent appearance Friday against Houston, working 3.2 innings with four hits and five strikeouts. First baseman Tony Lira (3-for-4, two RBIs) and catcher Beau Sylvester (1-for-4, two RBIs) were productive in that loss.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 4-3 win for Houston.

The Cougars play Rice at home Tuesday before hosting Arizona State for a three-game series starting Thursday. The Wildcats travel to Oklahoma State for a three-game set beginning Thursday.