TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Clearwater Threshers and Tampa Tarpons continue their six-game series Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, with first place in the Florida State League’s West Division on the line.

Clearwater (49-34) enters with a two-game lead over Tampa (47-36) after a 5-4 win Wednesday. The Threshers have taken two of the last three meetings in the season series, which is tied 4-4.

Right-hander Matthew Fisher (4-0 in his last four starts) takes the mound for Clearwater. He earned the win Wednesday, allowing one earned run on two hits over five innings with five strikeouts. In his previous three outings, he allowed one earned run or fewer each time, spanning 12 innings.

Right-hander Thatcher Hurd (2-2 in his last four starts) counters for Tampa. He took the loss Wednesday, giving up two earned runs on three hits over five innings with three strikeouts. In his three starts before that, Hurd allowed one earned run combined while striking out 24 over 14 innings.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-6 Tampa victory.

The teams play again Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Steinbrenner Field before Clearwater travels to Dunedin and Tampa hosts Bradenton. The weather forecast calls for [temperature] degrees at game time.