FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (Interstat) — The Hickory Crawdads and Fredericksburg Nationals conclude a three-game series Thursday at Virginia Credit Union Stadium, with the home team seeking a sweep in conditions that could be dampened by rain.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. with the temperature at 62 degrees and rain in the forecast.

Fredericksburg (16-7) has taken the first two games of the series, winning 13-12 on Tuesday and 1-0 on Wednesday. The Nationals hold a one-game lead over Hickory (15-8) in the standings.

Hickory will send right-hander Kamdyn Perry (0-0) to the mound in the opener of a probable doubleheader. Right-hander Jonah Conradt (1-1) is the scheduled starter for the second game.

Perry will make his first start of the season. Conradt has allowed four earned runs over 9 1/3 innings across five appearances.

Fredericksburg’s pitching staff has been effective in the series, allowing one run over the past 18 innings. In Wednesday’s shutout, Luke Johnson (4 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 K) and Miguel Sime Jr. (3 2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 9 K) combined to hold Hickory scoreless.

Players to watch

Hickory reliever Aidan Deakins has been dominant over his past four outings, allowing one earned run in 18 1/3 innings (0.49 ERA). He threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings Wednesday, scattering two hits with four strikeouts. Deakins has not allowed an earned run in 12 of his past 13 2/3 innings.

Fredericksburg reliever Luke Johnson earned the win Wednesday with 4 1/3 scoreless innings. In two of his past three outings, he has allowed zero runs. Johnson has a 2.51 ERA over 14 1/3 innings this season.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Fredericksburg victory, and its ELO system gives the Nationals a 53.9 percent probability of winning.

Series schedule

The teams play four more games in this series: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Virginia Credit Union Stadium, followed by a three-game set in Hickory from May 5-7.

Hickory then returns home for a six-game homestand against Myrtle Beach (May 5-10) before traveling to Columbia on May 12.

Fredericksburg travels to Hill City for a six-game road trip starting May 5, then returns home to face Salem on May 12.