ROCK HILL, S.C. (Interstat) — The Winthrop Eagles host the Longwood Lancers on Thursday in a Big South series opener at Winthrop Ballpark, with both teams aiming to build momentum entering the final stretch of the regular season.

First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT under clear skies and 77-degree temperatures.

Winthrop (31-21) enters play with a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating South Carolina 5-2 on Tuesday. The Eagles have won four of their last six contests but dropped two of three at High Point last weekend. They hold a 16-9 home record.

Longwood (28-22) has lost four straight, including a three-game sweep at the hands of Charleston Southern. The Lancers were outscored 42-7 in that series, capped by a 21-3 defeat Sunday. They are 10-14 on the road.

Longwood outfielder Ben Pulliam has been a bright spot in the lineup despite the team’s struggles. He went 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI in Sunday’s loss and batted 3-for-8 with two RBIs in the series against Charleston Southern. Over his last 10 games, Pulliam is hitting .300 with two home runs and five RBIs.

For Winthrop, right-hander Colby McNeely has been effective out of the bullpen. He tossed three scoreless, hitless innings with three strikeouts in Tuesday’s win over South Carolina. However, he has allowed five earned runs over 1 2/3 innings in his two previous appearances. McNeely has a 5.03 ERA this season over 24 relief innings.

Probable starters have not been announced.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 Winthrop victory, and its ELO system gives the Eagles a 68.5 percent probability of winning.

The series continues Friday and Saturday at Winthrop Ballpark, with both games scheduled for 2 p.m. starts.