ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Interstat) — The New Mexico Lobos look to solidify their winning record Tuesday night when they host in-state rival New Mexico State at Santa Ana Star Field. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. MDT under unseasonably cool skies.

New Mexico (26-22-1) enters the game with momentum after a 11-9 victory at Grand Canyon on Sunday. The Lobos have won three of their last four games despite a series loss to Air Force earlier this month. New Mexico State (17-31) comes in struggling, having lost six of its last seven, including a 7-6 defeat at Missouri State on Sunday.

The teams split their first two meetings this season, both played in Las Cruces. New Mexico State won a wild 16-15, 10-inning affair April 28, while New Mexico fell 6-1 on April 14. The Lobos, however, took the earlier matchup 8-6 on March 3. The Interstate Sports Simulator projects a 3-1 New Mexico victory.

Pitchers to watch

For New Mexico State, right-hander JT Price has been erratic but effective in spurts. In Sunday’s loss at Missouri State, the sophomore threw 5.0 hitless innings, striking out three. Over his past seven appearances, he has worked mostly in relief, notching two wins — both against the Lobos. On April 28, he tossed 2.0 scoreless innings in the 16-15 win, and on April 14 he fired 3.0 innings of one-hit ball, striking out three in a 6-1 victory. Price has allowed eight earned runs in 18.1 innings this season but has shown the ability to stifle New Mexico’s lineup.

For New Mexico, right-hander Ty Cunningham has been a reliable arm out of the bullpen. In Sunday’s win over Grand Canyon, the freshman threw 2.0 shutout innings, allowing no hits and striking out one. In the April 28 loss to the Aggies, he gave up two hits and one run over 2.0 innings. Cunningham has appeared in 12 games this season, posting a 2.45 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 18.1 innings.

Recent results

New Mexico State’s offense has been inconsistent, averaging 4.6 runs per game in its last 10 contests. Designated hitter Aidan Taclas went 3-for-5 with two RBIs in Sunday’s loss. The Aggies open a three-game series against Florida International on Thursday.

New Mexico’s lineup has scored nine or more runs in three of its last five games. Third baseman Akili Carris went 2-for-5 with two RBIs against Grand Canyon. The Lobos host Air Force for a three-game set beginning Friday.