ST. GEORGE, Utah (Interstat) — The Tarleton State Texans and Utah Tech Trailblazers, separated by one game in the Western Athletic Conference standings, meet Saturday evening at Burns Arena in the second contest of their pivotal three-game series.

First pitch is set for 7 p.m. under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 77 degrees. Tarleton State enters at 28-16 overall, while Utah Tech stands at 27-15.

The Trailblazers won Friday’s series opener, shutting out the Texans. Saturday’s game carries significant weight as both teams jockey for position in the WAC race.

Tarleton State left fielder Rayner Heinrich is a key bat for the Texans. Over his last seven games, Heinrich is 10 for 27 (.370) with seven RBIs. He went 3 for 5 with three RBIs in Tuesday’s 9-7 loss at Texas A&M and has driven in multiple runs in three of his last four contests.

Utah Tech third baseman Ryan Kroepel has been equally productive. He went 3 for 5 with two RBIs in Tuesday’s 8-3 win over UNLV. In his last four games, Kroepel is 8 for 11 with four RBIs. He has also contributed on the mound, tossing three scoreless innings with three strikeouts in two recent relief appearances.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-6 Utah Tech victory, though Interstat’s ELO system gives Tarleton State a 57.7 percent probability to win. The discrepancy reflects two teams that have been nearly mirror images this season: the Texans have won four of their last six, while the Trailblazers have taken seven of their last 10.

Both Heinrich and Kroepel will be central to their teams’ efforts. For Tarleton State, the lineup also features first baseman Cage McCloud and third baseman Carson Lorch, who each homered in the loss at Texas A&M. For Utah Tech, outfielder Finnegan Stewart homered and drove in two runs in Tuesday’s win.

Saturday’s result could swing momentum heading into Sunday’s series finale. The teams meet again Sunday afternoon before the Trailblazers travel to Texas-Arlington and the Texans host Texas-Rio Grande Valley next weekend.