GERALDTON, Ontario (Interstat) — Connecticut looks to build on its winning record Thursday when the Huskies host Villanova in the opener of a three-game Big East series at Elliot Ballpark.

First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon with a forecast of 51 degrees and cloudy skies.

The Huskies enter the game with a 30-23 record, while the Wildcats are 18-28. A game simulator projects Connecticut winning 7-6.

Connecticut will likely turn to right-hander Garret Garbinski. In his last appearance Tuesday against Northeastern, Garbinski allowed two earned runs on three hits with two strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings in a 10-6 loss. He also threw a scoreless inning of relief against Seton Hall on May 9, striking out one.

Villanova counters with right-hander Will Parkinson, who has been used primarily out of the bullpen. Parkinson threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings of one-hit relief against St. John’s on May 10, striking out one in an 8-2 victory. Over his last nine outings, Parkinson has compiled a 4.50 ERA across 12 1/3 innings, striking out eight while allowing six earned runs.

The Wildcats are coming off a series win against St. John’s, taking the finale Sunday 8-2. Second baseman Brayden Leonard went 2-for-4 with an RBI in that game.

Connecticut won its last series against Seton Hall, taking two of three. The Huskies have won four of their last five games overall.

The teams met earlier this season, with Connecticut winning two of three in Storrs, Connecticut.

Following Thursday’s game, the series continues Friday and Saturday at Elliot Ballpark.