FORT MYERS, Fla. (Interstat) — The Clearwater Threshers and Fort Myers Mighty Mussels will open their 2026 Florida State League schedules against each other Friday evening in a doubleheader opener at CenturyLink Sports Complex.

First pitch for Game 1 is set for 6 p.m. EDT. Both teams enter with 0-0 records.

The matchup marks the first game action for both clubs since the conclusion of the 2025 season. Clearwater last played on Sept. 11, 2025, falling 7-5 at Lakeland. Fort Myers last took the field on Sept. 6, 2025, suffering a 14-3 home loss to St. Lucie.

Friday’s game begins a two-game series between the division rivals. The Threshers will continue a season-opening road swing with a game here Saturday before hosting the Tampa Tarpons for a six-game homestand starting Tuesday.

The Mighty Mussels will hit the road after Saturday’s contest, beginning a six-game series at Jupiter on Tuesday.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a narrow, pitcher-dominated contest for the opener, forecasting a 1-0 victory for the visiting Threshers.

The teams are scheduled to meet frequently throughout the early season. Following their current set, they will not face each other again until a six-game series in Clearwater from May 12-17.

Probable starting pitchers for Friday’s opener were not announced by either club.

The doubleheader format was necessitated by a postponement of their originally scheduled season opener on Thursday due to inclement weather in the Fort Myers area.

Following Friday’s twin bill, the Threshers’ next 10 games are: April 4 at Fort Myers; April 7-12 vs. Tampa (six games); April 14-15 at Dunedin.

The Mighty Mussels’ next 10 are: April 4 vs. Clearwater; April 7-12 at Jupiter (six games); April 14-15 vs. Lakeland.