HIROSHIMA, Japan (Interstat) — The Chunichi Dragons and Hiroshima Carp open a three-game series Friday evening at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium, with both teams looking to climb out of the bottom of the Central League standings.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under a forecast of rain and 56 degrees.

The Dragons (8-19) have lost six of their last seven games, including a 6-2 defeat Thursday to the Yokohama BayStars. Chunichi managed only four hits in that loss, and its pitching staff allowed six runs for the second consecutive game.

Hiroshima (9-15) comes in on a brighter note, having won two of its last three. The Carp beat the Yomiuri Giants 3-2 on Thursday, snapping a two-game skid.

Players to watch

Chunichi right-hander Kyle Muller is expected to take the mound. In his most recent start April 30 against Yokohama, Muller allowed four earned runs on four hits over 6 1/3 innings in a loss. He also faced Hiroshima on April 15, surrendering two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings in another defeat.

Hiroshima left-hander Shogo Tamamura will likely counter. Tamamura earned the win Thursday at Yomiuri, allowing one earned run on six hits over five innings with five strikeouts.

Recent history

The Carp have won four of the last five meetings between the clubs, including a 5-2 victory April 15. However, the Dragons took the previous game 6-2 on April 14. At Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium, Hiroshima beat Chunichi 1-0 on March 29 and 2-1 on March 28.

Projections

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 3-1 victory for Chunichi, though its ELO system gives Hiroshima a 53.4% probability to win.

Both teams will continue the series Saturday and Sunday before returning to their respective schedules next week.