AP Baseball Preview: Dunedin at Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Tampa Tarpons look for a series sweep Thursday night when they host the Dunedin Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Tarpons (17-18) have won the first two games of this four-game set, beating Dunedin 8-5 on Wednesday and 2-1 on Tuesday. A win Thursday would give Tampa its third straight victory overall and extend its home winning streak.

Tampa’s offense is led by second baseman Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek, who enters Thursday’s contest on a tear. In his past 10 games, Martin-Grudzielanek is batting .300 (9 for 30) with one home run and three RBIs. He went 3 for 3 with a homer and an RBI in Wednesday’s win over Dunedin and is 4 for 7 in the series.

The Tarpons have won seven of their past 11 games after a rough stretch in mid-April.

Dunedin (13-22) continues to struggle, having lost 10 of its last 12 games. The Blue Jays are last in the Florida State League’s North Division.

Shortstop Juan Sanchez is a key player to watch for Dunedin. He hit a home run and drove in three runs in Wednesday’s loss and is 2 for 7 with two RBIs in the series. Over his past 10 games, Sanchez is batting .111 (4 for 36) with two home runs and four RBIs.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 5-3 Tampa victory.

Thursday’s weather is expected to be clear and warm, with temperatures near 80 degrees at game time.

The two teams will conclude their four-game series Friday through Sunday, all at Steinbrenner Field. Dunedin then returns home for a five-game series against Fort Myers beginning Tuesday, while Tampa hosts Clearwater for a six-game set starting Tuesday.