Clearwater Threshers at Tampa Tarpons
TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Clearwater Threshers and Tampa Tarpons conclude a six-game series Sunday afternoon with a day-night doubleheader at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Clearwater (25-18) enters the twinbill having dropped two of the first three games of the series, including a 5-4 loss Friday. Tampa (21-22) has won three of the last four meetings between the clubs and has outscored Clearwater 19-7 over the past two games.
The Threshers will send right-hander Sean Youngerman (1-1) to the mound in the first game. Right-hander Tyler Boudreau (0-1) is the scheduled starter for the second game. Tampa’s probable pitchers have not been announced.
Clearwater player to watch is right-hander Brian Walters. Over his last five relief appearances, Walters has posted a 3.60 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 10 innings. He allowed one earned run in two innings of Friday’s loss to Tampa.
Tampa player to watch is right-hander Jose M. Rodriguez, who has not allowed an earned run over his last 7 1/3 innings. He threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings in Friday’s 5-4 win over Clearwater, striking out one without allowing a hit.
The Tarpons have won two straight in the series after dropping a pair of games in Wednesday’s doubleheader. Tampa opened the six-game set with an 11-2 victory Thursday.
Clearwater took three of four games from the Tarpons during a series in April at BayCare Ballpark. The Threshers have won seven of their last 10 games overall.
An Interstat game simulator projects a 6-5 Clearwater victory in the first game.
The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-80s.
Following the doubleheader, Clearwater returns home for a six-game series against Dunedin beginning Tuesday. Tampa travels to Daytona for a six-game set Tuesday.