NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Interstat) — Le Moyne and Central Connecticut square off Friday afternoon at Balf–Savin Field in a Northeast Conference matchup that could help either team climb out of the bottom of the standings.

The Dolphins (18-24) and Blue Devils (17-24) enter the game with near-identical records, both sitting below .500 after a season of inconsistency. Le Moyne dropped its most recent contest Tuesday, a 20-3 blowout at Albany, while Central Connecticut fell 7-2 at Mercyhurst on Sunday.

Rain is in the forecast for game time, with temperatures expected around 58 degrees — a factor that could test both bullpens.

Players to watch

Le Moyne catcher Derek Diaz has been a bright spot amid the team’s struggles. In Tuesday’s loss, he went 4 for 4 with an RBI. However, before that game, Diaz had hit safely in only two of his previous nine at-bats, going 0 for 4 in a win over Maryland-Eastern Shore on May 8 and 0 for 2 in a loss to Stonehill on May 2. His overall production at the plate has been sporadic, but his strong showing against Albany suggests he may be finding his rhythm.

On the mound for Central Connecticut, reliever Bryce DiPiero has been effective in limited recent action. He threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings against Mercyhurst on Sunday, allowing no hits and no runs. In his prior outing, April 26 against New Haven, he tossed 1 2/3 innings, giving up one earned run and two hits. DiPiero’s ability to work multiple innings could be key if the weather forces an early hook for the starter.

Season trends

Le Moyne has alternated wins and losses over its last six games, with three victories and three defeats. The Dolphins’ offense has been volatile, scoring as many as 16 runs in a win over Maryland-Eastern Shore on May 9 but managing only three runs in Tuesday’s loss. Central Connecticut has lost three of its last four, though the Blue Devils earned a 10-inning win at Mercyhurst on May 9.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-4 Le Moyne victory, while the outlet’s ELO system gives Central Connecticut a 60.10 percent probability of winning — a split forecast that underscores the unpredictability of the matchup.

The two teams also meet Saturday in the series finale.

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