HILL CITY, Va. (Interstat) — The Hickory Crawdads look to even their series with the Hill City Howlers on Wednesday afternoon after a narrow opening loss.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. at Bank of the James Stadium under clear skies with temperatures near 56 degrees.

The Crawdads (12-4), who own the league’s best record, fell 7-6 to Hill City on Tuesday night. They will turn to right-hander Aidan Deakins (0-0) as their probable starter. Hill City (10-6) is expected to counter with left-hander Nelson Keljo (0-0).

A key matchup will feature a pair of players named Martinez coming off strong performances. For Hickory, pitcher Frank Martinez delivered three innings of one-run relief in Tuesday’s defeat. For the Howlers, first baseman Anthony Martinez powered Tuesday’s win, going 3 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs. Anthony Martinez has two homers and six RBIs in his last five games.

Hickory’s offense, which averages 6.6 runs per game, will aim to rebound after stranding 10 runners Tuesday. Josh Springer drove in two runs in the loss.

Hill City’s Luke Fernandez earned the win Tuesday with 1 1/3 perfect innings of relief, striking out three.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Hickory 8, Hill City 6.

The game is the second of a five-game series between the teams. They will meet again Thursday night.