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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (Interstat) — Texas Christian visits West Virginia on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the opener of a pivotal Big 12 series. The Horned Frogs (32-18) bring a three-game winning streak into Mountaineer Field, while the Mountaineers (35-12) have won five straight.

West Virginia leads the conference standings, two games ahead of TCU. The forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures in the 70s.

Right-hander Reese Bassinger, who threw five hitless innings in a 13-2 win at Kansas on Sunday, is a key arm for West Virginia. The junior has a 1.38 ERA over his last four appearances, striking out 14 across 7 1/3 innings. He has not allowed a hit in two of those outings.

TCU counters with Nate Stern, a reliever who has been dominant in his most recent work. Stern pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings in a 4-3 win over Utah on Sunday, striking out two. Over his past five appearances, the right-hander has allowed one earned run in 6 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts. He has not allowed a hit in any of those outings.

Both teams enter on hot streaks. TCU swept Utah last weekend at home, winning 4-3, 3-1 and 3-0. The Horned Frogs have won nine of their last 12. West Virginia swept Kansas on the road, outscoring the Jayhawks 22-5. The Mountaineers have won 10 of their last 13.

The simulation by Interstat’s game predictor projects an 8-7 TCU victory.

This series continues Friday and Saturday at the same venue. Both teams are jockeying for position ahead of the Big 12 tournament, with West Virginia seeking to maintain its lead and TCU aiming to close the gap.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Thursday. The game will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.