HIGH POINT, N.C. (Interstat) — Longwood visits High Point on Friday for the opener of a three-game Big South series, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. at George S. Erath Field at Coy O. Williard Baseball Stadium.

The Panthers (29-15) own the best record in the conference entering the weekend, while the Lancers (26-18) look to rebound from a 3-0 loss Tuesday at Virginia Military Institute. The forecast calls for 70 degrees with clouds.

Longwood right-hander Jackson Nash is a player to watch. Nash (4.0 IP, 0 H, 2 ER, 4 K) started and took the loss in that game at VMI. In five recent appearances, he has worked 8.2 innings, allowing five earned runs while striking out 11. His best outing came April 14 at William & Mary (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 3 K). Nash has been used both as a starter and reliever this season.

High Point counters with right-hander Jack Carey. Carey tossed 3.0 scoreless innings (0 H, 1 ER, 1 K) in Tuesday’s 5-4 loss at Campbell. Over his past five outings, the reliever has logged 12.1 innings, allowing seven earned runs with seven strikeouts. He has not allowed a hit in four of those five appearances. Frank Kelly (2-for-3, 2 RBIs) led the Panthers’ offense at Campbell.

Both clubs are coming off midweek road defeats. High Point has won five of its last seven, while Longwood has dropped three of its last four.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 High Point victory.