NEWARK, Del. (Interstat) — Western Kentucky looks to even a three-game Conference USA series Friday night when the Hilltoppers visit Delaware at Bob Hannah Stadium.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with a temperature of 60 degrees. Western Kentucky enters the game with a 28-25 overall record; Delaware is 18-34.

The Blue Hens won the series opener 7-3 on Thursday, snapping a five-game losing streak. Delaware used a four-run fourth inning to break open a 1-1 game and never trailed. Cole Carbone, the designated hitter, led the offense along with catcher LT Cockriill and first baseman Anthony DeCesare.

Western Kentucky had won three of its previous four games before Thursday’s loss. The Hilltoppers took two of three at home against Dallas Baptist last weekend, then swept a midweek game at Eastern Kentucky. In the series opener, third baseman JP Acosta, designated hitter Daniel Stewart and first baseman Lane Arroyos were Western Kentucky’s most productive hitters.

Delaware had lost nine of its last 10 games before Thursday’s victory, including a series sweep at Sam Houston. The Blue Hens’ last series win came against Florida International two weekends ago, when they took two of three.

Western Kentucky has been strong on the road this season, going 12-10 away from Bowling Green. Delaware is 9-14 at home.

The Hilltoppers average 6.2 runs per game while allowing 5.4. The Blue Hens offense scores 4.8 runs per contest, and their pitching staff carries a 6.10 ERA.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 Western Kentucky victory, and the ELO system gives the Hilltoppers a 66.2 percent probability of winning.

Key players to watch include Western Kentucky’s Acosta, who is hitting .315 with eight home runs, and Stewart, who leads the team with 12 doubles. For Delaware, Carbone is batting .290 with 10 homers and 38 RBIs, while Cockriill has thrown out 18 of 37 attempted base stealers.

The series concludes Saturday.