Rain Threatens Series Finale Between Struggling Tarpons, Hot Threshers

CLEARWATER, Fla. (Interstat) — The Clearwater Threshers look to continue their strong start and secure a series win when they host the Tampa Tarpons in a weather-threatened contest Thursday at Spectrum Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EDT, though forecasts call for rain and a temperature of 72 degrees.

The Threshers (3-1) have taken two of the first three games in this week’s set, including a 4-1 victory on Tuesday. They will send right-hander Brad Pacheco to the mound. Pacheco earned the win in that Tuesday game, allowing one run on one hit over four innings.

He will be opposed by Tampa right-hander Gage Wood (0-0), who makes his first start of the season. The Tarpons (0-4) are seeking their first win after being outscored 33-17 through their first four games, which included a season-opening sweep by Lakeland.

A player to watch for Tampa is right-hander Blake Gillespie, who delivered a quality start in a losing effort Tuesday. Gillespie tossed six scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out six. He will be available out of the bullpen.

For Clearwater, outfielder Jonathan Hogart looks to build on a Tuesday performance where he went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI.

The teams split a doubleheader Wednesday, with Tampa winning the nightcap 3-2 to snap a four-game skid.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Clearwater 5, Tampa 4.

Following Thursday’s game, the two teams are scheduled to meet again for three more games in Clearwater from Friday through Sunday.