SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (Interstat) — Two teams with matching nicknames meet Friday when the Fordham Rams travel to face the Rhode Island Rams in an Atlantic 10 baseball series opener at Bill Beck Field.

First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon at the on-campus venue, with the forecast calling for clouds and a temperature of 53 degrees.

Fordham (22-24 overall) carries a .478 winning percentage into the matchup after dropping a 13-10 decision to Sacred Heart on Tuesday. Rhode Island (18-25) enters with a .419 mark following a 13-3 victory at New Haven on the same day.

The series begins a critical stretch for both clubs as they jockey for conference positioning. Fordham has won four of its last six games, while Rhode Island has split its last four.

Players to watch

Fordham shortstop Anthony Grabau leads the Rams’ offense. Over his past 10 games, Grabau has recorded multiple hits five times while showing power with three home runs and nine RBIs in that span. In the loss to Sacred Heart, he went 1 for 5 with a homer and two RBIs.

Rhode Island shortstop Reece Moroney also anchors the infield and has been productive at the plate. Moroney is coming off a 3-for-4, four-RBI performance against New Haven. Over his past 10 games, he has driven in 11 runs and collected multiple hits three times.

Series history and outlook

The three-game weekend set continues Saturday and Sunday at Bill Beck Field. Friday’s game is the only scheduled contest for either team this week.

Fordham has shown resilience in close games, winning three one-run decisions during its recent stretch, including a pair of 2-1 and 5-4 victories over George Mason on April 26. The Rams have also played three extra-inning games this season, going 2-1.

Rhode Island has struggled in one-run games, losing three of its past four decisions decided by a single run, including a 5-4 loss at Saint Bonaventure on April 18.

Forecast

The Interstat game simulator projects an 8-4 victory for Fordham.