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EVANSTON, Ill. (Interstat) — Rutgers looks to build on a series-opening victory when it faces Northwestern on Friday evening at Rocky Miller Park in a Big Ten matchup.

The Scarlet Knights (25-27) defeated the Wildcats 8-5 on Thursday, snapping a two-game skid. Rutgers will send right-hander Zack Konstantinovsky to the mound for the 6 p.m. first pitch. The forecast calls for clear skies and 63 degrees.

Konstantinovsky has been inconsistent this season. In Thursday’s win, he allowed four earned runs on zero hits over five innings, striking out three while walking three. He worked 6 2/3 innings in a May 8 victory over Maryland, yielding two earned runs with nine strikeouts. However, he gave up three earned runs in a loss at Southern California on May 1, and four earned runs in a loss to Ohio State on April 24.

Northwestern (20-29-1) will counter with right-hander Ryan Weaver, who also pitched Thursday. Weaver took the loss, allowing two earned runs on eight hits over six innings with two walks and two strikeouts. He has struggled recently, surrendering eight earned runs in 2 2/3 innings at Illinois on May 8, and four earned runs in five innings against Indiana on May 1.

The Wildcats have lost five of their last six games. Their lone win in that stretch came May 3 against Indiana.

Rutgers’ offense was led Thursday by center fielder Chase Krewson, who went 2-for-5 with two RBIs. The Scarlet Knights have won three of their last four but remain near the bottom of the Big Ten standings.

Northwestern shortstop Ryan Kucherak went 3-for-5 with an RBI on Thursday. Right-hander James Whitaker pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 5-4 Rutgers victory.

The teams conclude the three-game series Saturday at Rocky Miller Park.