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Tampa Tarpons host Dunedin Blue Jays in series opener

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Tampa Tarpons (15-18) open a six-game homestand against the Dunedin Blue Jays (13-20) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with temperatures at game time in the low 80s.

Dunedin comes off a 5-3 win Sunday against Bradenton, snapping a five-game losing streak. Right-hander Carson Myers earned the victory with three scoreless innings of relief, allowing two hits with three strikeouts. Myers has been a consistent bullpen presence for the Blue Jays, posting a 1.93 ERA over his last four appearances spanning 7 2/3 innings, with nine strikeouts and zero earned runs allowed.

The Blue Jays have struggled offensively, averaging 3.3 runs per game over their last 10 contests (Interstat) — all at home. Outfielder Yorman Licourt provided the power Sunday with a home run and two RBIs.

Tampa lost 5-3 Sunday at Fort Myers and has dropped four of its last five games. The Tarpons’ pitching staff has been inconsistent, allowing at least six runs in three of those losses.

Right-hander Bryce Warrecker has emerged as a reliable reliever for Tampa. Over his last three outings, Warrecker has pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit with three strikeouts. He worked 1 2/3 hitless frames in Sunday’s loss.

Tampa’s offense has been led by second baseman Santiago Gomez, who went 2-for-4 in Sunday’s defeat. The Tarpons have scored at least five runs in six of their last nine games, but the pitching staff has allowed double-digit runs twice during that stretch.

Dunedin enters the series with a 2-8 record in its last 10 road games. Tampa is 4-6 at home this season.

The teams will play Tuesday through Sunday at Steinbrenner Field before Dunedin returns home for a six-game set against Fort Myers. Tampa remains home to face Clearwater beginning May 19.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-3 Tampa victory.

Players to watch: Dunedin RHP Carson Myers (2-1, 2.70 ERA in 12 appearances); Tampa RHP Bryce Warrecker (0-0, 1.74 ERA in eight appearances).