The written preview lands about a day and a half before the game, once the lineups, the injuries and the market have settled. Until then the boards below carry the matchup: recent form, how the two sides compare, and where each of them sits.
The full preview, matchup keys, probable starters and the storylines to watch, posts closer to game time, once lineups are set.
Each side's most recent results, newest first, with the score and who they played. These reach back into last season where a club has not played five yet, which is why every row carries its date.
Tampa Tarpons
Hammerheads
ThreshersThreshers
Blue JaysBlue JaysJupiter HammerheadsTarpons
TortugasTortugas
MetsMetsThe full ladder, with both clubs marked.
Hickory Crawdads82-47.636W15
Fredericksburg Nationals80-51.611W7
San Jose Giants80-52.606W4Tampa Tarpons78-51.605W1Clearwater Threshers74-55.574L1Jupiter Hammerheads61-67.477L2