MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee will meet Saturday evening at Reese Smith Jr. Field in a Conference USA series that could reshape the standings.

The Hilltoppers (24-21) carry a one-game edge over the Blue Raiders (22-23) into the second contest of the three-game set. Western Kentucky took the series opener Friday, though details of that game were not immediately available.

Game time weather is forecast at 66 degrees with clouds.

Western Kentucky enters having lost two of its last three, including a 9-6 defeat Sunday against Kennesaw State in which first baseman Lane Arroyos went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Arroyos has been the Hilltoppers’ most consistent bat, reaching base in nine of his last 10 games while collecting multiple hits in six of those outings. He is 4-for-8 with a homer and three RBIs over the past two games.

Middle Tennessee is looking to bounce back after a 9-1 loss at Vanderbilt on Tuesday. Right-hander Bryant Beranek provided two scoreless innings of relief in that game, allowing no hits and one earned run while striking out one. Beranek has been effective in recent outings, holding opponents hitless over 2 2/3 innings in his last two appearances combined, with two strikeouts and one earned run allowed.

The Blue Raiders have lost four of their last five overall, including dropping two of three at Sam Houston last weekend.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 Western Kentucky victory, with the Hilltoppers holding a 65.1% win probability per ELO ratings.

Both teams are playing for postseason positioning in Conference USA. Western Kentucky’s upcoming schedule includes a home series against Dallas Baptist, while Middle Tennessee will visit Florida International next weekend.

First pitch is scheduled for Saturday evening.