BRADENTON, Fla. (Interstat) — The Tampa Tarpons aim to build on a series-opening victory when they face the Bradenton Marauders on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at LECOM Park.

Tampa (30-27) enters the game after a 7-3 win over Bradenton on Tuesday, marking the Tarpons’ seventh victory in their past eight games. The Tarpons have won five of seven meetings against the Marauders (27-29) this season, though Bradenton took three of four in a series from April 14-17.

Right-hander Thatcher Hurd (0-1, 4.50 ERA) is scheduled to start for Tampa. Hurd has made two appearances this season, both in relief, and will be making his first start. He has allowed two earned runs over four innings with five strikeouts and three walks.

The forecast calls for 87-degree temperatures and cloudy skies at first pitch.

Players to watch

Tampa left-hander Brennan Stuprich has been dominant in his past two outings. On Sunday against Palm Beach, he threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out four in a 2-1 win. He followed a five-inning, two-hit shutout performance at Daytona on May 31.

Bradenton right-hander Gavin Adams has struggled recently, allowing three earned runs over his past four appearances spanning 5 2/3 innings. In his most recent outing Sunday at Jupiter, he threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Recent form

The Tarpons have won six straight games, outscoring opponents 47-16 over that span. Tampa’s pitching staff has allowed three or fewer runs in five of those contests.

Bradenton has lost four of its past five games, including a 9-5 loss at Jupiter on Sunday.

Series history

The teams meet again Thursday through Sunday at LECOM Park, part of a six-game homestand for Bradenton against Tampa. The Marauders return home after a seven-game road trip.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-3 Tampa victory.