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Hickory at Hill City

Lynchburg, Va. (Interstat) — The Hickory Crawdads look to extend their winning streak against the Hill City Howlers on Friday night at Bank of the James Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. under cloudy skies and a temperature of 72 degrees.

Hickory (13-4) has won two of the first three games in this four-game series, including an 8-5 victory Wednesday. The Crawdads have won four of their last five overall and sit atop their division. They are projected to start right-handers Evan Siary and Jacob Zibin, both making their first appearances of the season (0-0).

Players to watch: Hickory’s Aidan Deakins has been electric on the mound. Over his last three outings, the right-hander has allowed one earned run in 13 innings while striking out 11. On Wednesday, Deakins earned the win with five innings of one-run ball, scattering five hits and fanning three.

Hill City (10-7) counters with left-hander Nelson Keljo, who has been equally sharp despite a loss Wednesday. Keljo tossed 3.2 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out five. Over his last three appearances, Keljo has a 0.79 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 11.1 innings.

Series history: The Crawdads have outscored the Howlers 20-15 in the series, but Hill City won Tuesday’s contest 7-6. Hickory’s Yolfran Castillo drove in four runs Wednesday, and right-hander Geury Rodriguez added two scoreless innings of relief.

Statistical projection: Interstat’s simulator projects an 8-6 Hickory win.

The four-game series concludes Saturday and Sunday at Bank of the James.

Up next: Hickory travels to Fredericksburg for a six-game series Tuesday through Sunday. Hill City heads to Delmarva for a six-game set starting Tuesday.