ORUM, Utah (Interstat) — The Texas-Arlington Mavericks and the Utah Valley Wolverines, two teams seeking to build momentum in the final weeks of the regular season, open a crucial three-game Western Athletic Conference series Thursday at Brent Brown Ballpark.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m.

Texas-Arlington (18-28) arrives having split a weekend series with Utah Tech, salvaging an 8-5, 11-inning victory Sunday. The Mavericks have struggled for consistency, winning just three of their last 10 games. However, the team showed resilience in Sunday’s extra-inning win, rallying behind a power surge.

Right fielder Preston Knott has been the Mavericks’ most dangerous bat. The senior went 3-for-5 with two home runs and two RBIs in Sunday’s win, his second multi-hit performance in four games. He also homered in an 8-6 win over Sacramento State on April 19. For the season, Knott provides a spark in the middle of the order, though he has endured cold spells, including an 0-for-3 showing on May 8 and an 0-for-4 mark against Baylor on April 28.

Pitching has been a bright spot. Merek Sears threw four shutout innings of relief Sunday, allowing three hits with four strikeouts. Hayes Melville also contributed four innings, yielding one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts. The Mavericks will need similar depth from their staff against a Utah Valley lineup capable of explosive innings.

Utah Valley (12-35) has lost four of its last five, including a 13-3 defeat at BYU on Tuesday. The Wolverines have been outscored 71-45 over their last five games. They have dropped nine of their last 10 overall.

Designated hitter Hunter Katschke has been a bright spot. The sophomore went 3-for-4 with a home run and an RBI against BYU. He also drove in three runs with a homer in a 5-3 win at Abilene Christian on May 9 and collected three hits with a home run and four RBIs in a two-game stretch against California Baptist on May 1-2. However, he has been prone to inconsistency, going hitless in four of his last six contests before the BYU game.

The Wolverines’ pitching staff has struggled, allowing double-digit runs in seven of their last 10 games. Relief work has been a particular concern.

Thursday’s game is the first of a three-game set. The teams also play Friday and Saturday. Texas-Arlington has not announced a starting pitcher. Utah Valley will likely turn to a bullpen-heavy approach after a midweek loss.

Both teams are near the bottom of the WAC standings. Thursday’s result could provide a needed confidence boost for either squad as the postseason approaches.