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Tampa Tarpons host Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Tampa Tarpons host the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels on Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The weather forecast calls for partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-80s.

Left-hander Merit Jones (2-1, 3.86 ERA) is the probable starter for Fort Myers (37-28). He will oppose Tampa (35-31) right-hander Tyler Boudreau (2-2, 4.50 ERA). The Tarpons, according to the Interstat game simulator, are projected to win 7-4.

The Tarpons enter the game after a 6-4 victory over the Mighty Mussels on Friday, snapping a two-game losing streak in the series. Tampa has won three of the last four meetings between the teams. The Mighty Mussels, however, won the series opener Thursday 16-5, scoring 16 runs for the second time in four games.

Fort Myers outfielder Byron Chourio is a player to watch. He went 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs in Thursday’s win and is hitting .375 (5 for 16) with two home runs and five RBIs in his last four games against Tampa.

Tampa shortstop Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek also had a productive game Thursday, going 1 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs. He is hitting .333 (7 for 21) with two home runs and five RBIs over his last six games.

The Mighty Mussels have won seven of their last 10 games. The Tarpons have won five of their last 10.

Fort Myers will remain in Tampa for a Sunday afternoon game before returning home to face St. Lucie on Tuesday. Tampa, after Sunday’s game, travels to Dunedin for a six-game series beginning Tuesday.