BRADENTON, Fla. (Interstat) — The Bradenton Marauders and Tampa Tarpons will conclude a three-game series Thursday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, with both teams looking to gain momentum after a series split defined by blowouts.

The clubs have traded lopsided victories this week. Tampa (4-7) dominated Wednesday, winning 12-1 behind a strong start from Allen Facundo. Bradenton (3-8) took an 11-inning slugfest 14-9 on Tuesday.

Thursday’s afternoon contest projects as a tighter matchup. Interstat’s game simulator forecasts a 4-3 victory for the visiting Marauders.

A key matchup will feature recent performances on the mound. Bradenton is expected to watch right-hander Roilan Portuondo, who pitched 3 1/3 innings of relief in Wednesday’s loss, allowing one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts. Over his last three appearances, however, he has an 11.57 ERA across seven innings.

Tampa will counter with right-hander Allen Facundo, who has been excellent in his last two starts. On April 8 against Clearwater, Facundo struck out nine over 4 1/3 innings, allowing one run on one hit. In his previous outing on April 2, he went 5 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts, also surrendering just one run on one hit.

Bradenton seeks to halt a five-game skid, with all losses coming against Palm Beach before Wednesday’s defeat. The Marauders’ last win was Tuesday’s high-scoring affair in Tampa.

The Tarpons have found consistency against Clearwater, winning four of six in a recent series, but struggled earlier against Lakeland. Their pitching will aim to build on Facundo’s recent form and Wednesday’s collective effort, which limited Bradenton to just five hits.

Following Thursday’s game, the Florida State League rivals will not meet again until June. Bradenton continues its road trip with a six-game set at Clearwater beginning Tuesday. Tampa will host Lakeland for six games starting Tuesday.