FARGO, N.D. (Interstat) — South Dakota State and North Dakota State will play a Summit League doubleheader Saturday at Newman Outdoor Field, with first pitch of the opener scheduled for the afternoon and the nightcap set for the evening. The forecast calls for clear skies and a temperature of 53 degrees at game time.

The Jackrabbits (12-25) and Bison (8-26) enter the day looking for momentum after both teams suffered blowout losses in their most recent outings. South Dakota State lost 19-2 to Northern Colorado on April 25, while North Dakota State rebounded from a sweep at Oral Roberts with a 13-6 win at Creighton on Tuesday.

South Dakota State right-hander Matthew Werk is a pitcher to watch. In his last three appearances — all losses — Werk pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and three earned runs while striking out five. He threw 3 1/3 innings against Northern Colorado on April 25, surrendering four hits and one earned run.

North Dakota State outfielder Tyman Long has been the Bison’s most productive hitter. Over his last four games, Long is batting .357 with two home runs and 10 RBIs. He went 2 for 5 with four RBIs in the win at Creighton and had a 2-for-3, two-homer, five-RBI performance in an 11-3 victory at Oral Roberts on April 26.

The teams split the first four meetings this season. South Dakota State took two of three in Brookings, South Dakota, on March 20-21, winning 11-1 and 13-5 after dropping the opener 6-1. North Dakota State won Friday’s series opener 1-0.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 4-3 South Dakota State victory, while the Interstat ELO system gives North Dakota State a 61 percent probability of winning.

After Saturday’s doubleheader, the teams conclude the series Sunday. South Dakota State returns home to face Saint Thomas (Minn.) next weekend, while North Dakota State hosts Northern Colorado.