GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — The Florida Gators and Miami Hurricanes meet Saturday at Florida Ballpark in a matchup of two of the state’s top programs, each looking to build momentum heading into the postseason.

Florida (40-19) enters on a two-game winning streak after an 8-7 victory over Rider on Friday. Miami (39-18) also won Friday, beating Troy 10-5. The Gators swept a two-game series from the Hurricanes in Miami earlier this season, winning 8-4 on Feb. 28 and 7-2 on Feb. 27.

Florida will start right-hander Russell Sandefer. The sophomore has been outstanding recently, allowing no earned runs in 5⅔ innings against Rider on Friday, scattering two hits and striking out five. In his previous outing, he threw a scoreless inning against Georgia on May 23. Sandefer’s best start came May 3 at Oklahoma, when he pitched seven innings, allowed one earned run and struck out seven in a 13-2 win. Over his last five appearances, Sandefer has a 2.23 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 21⅔ innings.

Miami counters with right-hander Ryan Bilka, who has struggled of late. In his past three appearances, all Miami losses, Bilka has allowed two earned runs in 3⅔ innings. He threw two innings against Louisville on May 8, allowing one run on one hit with three strikeouts. He then tossed a scoreless ⅓ inning at Florida State on May 14, and gave up one earned run in 1⅓ innings at Georgia Tech on May 23. Bilka has not earned a decision since early April.

The Hurricanes offense has been potent, averaging 8.5 runs over their last five games. In Friday’s win over Troy, center fielder Kyle Jones went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, and second baseman Cade Kurland also homered and drove in two. Miami has won five of its last seven, including series victories over Louisville and at Florida State.

Florida’s lineup has been similarly productive, scoring at least eight runs in four of its last six games. The Gators took two of three from LSU on the road last weekend and swept a midweek series against Vanderbilt and Alabama. Their pitching staff has held opponents to three runs or fewer in 12 of their last 15 contests.

The Gators lead the all-time series, but the intensity of the in-state rivalry always adds stakes. With both teams jockeying for a strong finish to the regular season, Saturday’s contest could have implications for NCAA tournament seeding.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m.