HAMMOND, La. (Interstat) — Nicholls State visits Houston Christian on Friday afternoon at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field in a Southland Conference series opener. The Colonels (21-25) are trying to halt a skid, while the Huskies (23-28) look to build momentum after a narrow loss.

Nicholls State has lost five of its last six contests, including a 11-3 defeat to McNeese State on Thursday. Second baseman Keegan Giger remains a bright spot; he went 3-for-4 with a home run and an RBI in that game, extending a hot stretch that includes a 4-for-6, two-RBI performance against New Orleans on May 3.

Houston Christian fell 3-2 at Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday despite a dominant start from pitcher Ben Smith. Smith tossed seven innings of no-hit ball, allowing one earned run while striking out nine. He will be a key arm out of the bullpen or possibly a starter for the Huskies.

The teams met earlier this season, with Nicholls State winning the first two games of a three-game set — 10-6 on April 3 and 11-1 on April 4 — before Houston Christian claimed a 3-0 shutout on April 3.

Statistical matchup favors the home side. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 victory for Houston Christian.

First pitch is scheduled for Friday afternoon/evening.