SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Interstat) — The powerhouse Midland RockHounds aim to extend their dominance over the Springfield Cardinals on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Hammons Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. under cloudy skies and 70-degree temperatures.

Midland (13-4) has won two of the first three games in this six-game series, including a 7-1 blowout Wednesday. The RockHounds have won six of their last seven contests overall, with their only blemish in that span being a 5-4 loss to Springfield on Tuesday.

Springfield (6-11) looks to bounce back after winning one of the last two meetings. The Cardinals have dropped 11 of their last 15 games overall but will rely on their ELO system projection, which gives them a 56.40 percent probability to win Friday — despite Interstat’s simulator forecasting an 8-2 Midland victory.

On the mound: Midland will send right-hander Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang (2-1, 1.33 ERA) to the hill. Zhuang has been a reliable arm for the RockHounds, allowing just two earned runs over his last 10 innings. Opposing him will be Springfield right-hander Brandt Thompson (1-1, 2.08 ERA). Thompson took a no-decision in his last outing against Wichita, scattering five hits over four innings.

Players to watch: Midland’s Corey Avant has been a force on the mound and at the plate. The right-hander earned the win Wednesday, tossing four innings of two-hit, one-run ball with five strikeouts against Springfield. Over his last four appearances, Avant has posted a 1.76 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 15.2 innings.

Springfield’s Braden Davis went five innings Wednesday against the RockHounds, allowing five hits and two earned runs with eight strikeouts. The right-hander has been efficient but lacks run support, striking out 28 batters over 17 innings this season while holding opponents to a .240 batting average.

Series history: The RockHounds have outscored the Cardinals 17-9 in the series, with Wednesday’s game featuring a standout performance from Midland second baseman Colby Halter, who went 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. On Tuesday, Springfield’s bullpen trio of Darlin Saladin, Randel Clemente and others helped secure the 5-4 win.

Looking ahead: The series continues Saturday and Sunday before Midland returns home to face Amarillo, while Springfield travels to Northwest Arkansas.