HEMPSTEAD, Texas (Interstat) — Texas Southern visits Prairie View on Friday evening in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup at Tankersley Field, with the first-place Tigers looking to extend their dominance over a struggling Panthers squad.

Texas Southern (16-14) enters the game after dropping two of three at Arkansas-Pine Bluff last weekend, including a 5-4 loss Sunday. The Tigers remain near the top of the SWAC standings, powered by a deep lineup and a pitching staff led by right-hander Zachary Laviage. The sophomore was brilliant in his last outing despite the loss, throwing seven innings of no-hit, shutout ball with four strikeouts against the Golden Lions. He has not allowed an earned run over his past two appearances.

Texas Southern’s offense has been consistent, scoring at least four runs in nine of its last 10 games. Outfielder Christopher Chavez went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in Sunday’s loss.

Prairie View (5-29) has lost nine straight and 22 of its last 23. The Panthers dropped a 7-6 decision at Grambling on Sunday, their fifth consecutive defeat. Kamar Dove is the likely starter for Prairie View. The right-hander has struggled mightily, posting an ERA over 10.00 while allowing 22 earned runs in his last four outings. His most effective start came March 29 at Southern, when he tossed six scoreless innings but took a no-decision.

Friday’s game is the opener of a three-game series. The forecast calls for 84 degrees with clouds at first pitch.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-1 Texas Southern victory.