CINCINNATI (Interstat) — The Cincinnati Bearcats look to continue their strong start and build on a recent win over UC San Diego when the teams open a doubleheader Friday.

The Bearcats (10-4) won the series opener 9-5 on Thursday behind a powerful performance from first baseman Quinton Coats, who went 2 for 5 with two home runs and five RBIs. Coats is batting .410 (16 for 39) over his last 10 games with five homers and 18 RBIs, emerging as the lineup’s most dangerous hitter.

Cincinnati has won seven of its last nine games. Starter Nathan Taylor struck out 11 over six innings in Thursday’s victory.

The UC San Diego Tritons (4-7) have lost five of their last six. A bright spot in Thursday’s loss was reliever Nathan Ries, who struck out five over four hitless innings, though he allowed three earned runs. Over his last three appearances, spanning 10 2/3 innings, Ries has allowed just six hits while striking out 13.

The Tritons will need to find an answer for Coats and a Cincinnati offense averaging 7.1 runs per game during its current 7-2 stretch. UC San Diego’s pitching staff has a 6.59 ERA over the last six games.

Friday’s first game begins a busy stretch for both teams. Following Sunday’s series finale, Cincinnati hosts Evansville on Tuesday before a four-game road trip to BYU and Utah Valley. UC San Diego visits Cal State Northridge next weekend before opening Big West play at home against UC Riverside on March 20.

First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT at UC Baseball Stadium.