Preview: Marauders at Tarpons, Friday, April 17, 2026

BRADENTON, Fla. (Interstat) — The Bradenton Marauders and Tampa Tarpons, locked in a seesaw series and identical 4-8 records, meet again Friday at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

The Florida State League rivals have split the first three games of their six-game set in dramatic fashion. After Tampa’s 12-1 rout Wednesday, Bradenton answered with a 5-4 victory Thursday. The series opened with a 14-9 Bradenton win in 11 innings Tuesday.

A key rematch is on the mound. Bradenton’s Zander Mueth, who earned the win Thursday with four strong innings of relief (2 H, 1 ER, 4 K), is a player to watch. Tampa will counter with right-hander Tyler Boudreau, who took the loss in that same game despite a quality start (5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 6 K).

Both teams have struggled for consistency. Bradenton has lost eight of its last ten, while Tampa has dropped seven of its last ten. The teams have combined for 45 runs in the first three games of this series.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 4-2 Tampa victory.

Following Friday’s contest, the series continues through Sunday. Bradenton then travels to Clearwater for a six-game series starting Tuesday. Tampa will hit the road for a six-game set at Lakeland beginning Tuesday.