The St. Lucie Mets delivered a dominant performance in their series opener, blanking the Jupiter Hammerheads 6-0 on Tuesday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. Four Mets pitchers combined to allow just three hits, setting the tone early for a decisive victory. This win provided a much-needed rebound after the team recently fell to the Jupiter Hammerheads in their previous series finale.
St. Lucie Mets Pitchers Excel in Shutout Victory
Mets starter Jose Chirinos pitched four strong innings, demonstrating effective control and composure. Chirinos notably struck out Abrahan Ramirez with bases loaded in the fourth inning on a critical 3-2 pitch, initially called ball four but overturned after catcher Daiverson Gutierrez successfully challenged the call using the ABS challenge system.
Following Chirinos, MLB rehabber Brooks Raley, recovering from Tommy John surgery, made his third appearance. Raley pitched a scoreless fifth inning, striking out two batters and maintaining the scoreless tie.
Cristofer Gomez earned the win for the Mets, pitching three innings of relief. Gomez allowed just one hit, did not issue a walk, and struck out five batters, improving his record to an impressive 5-0. Reliever Hunter Hodges closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning, striking out two.
Mets Offense Comes Alive Late in Game
Jupiter starter Julio Mendez initially kept the Mets offense quiet, pitching six shutout innings. However, the Mets broke through in the seventh inning against reliever Jeckferxon Hernandez. Yohairo Cuevas launched a crucial two-run homer to open the scoring, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead.
The seventh inning continued with additional scoring opportunities. Kevin Villavicencio scored on a wild pitch, and Yonatan Henriquez drove in Nick Roselli with a sacrifice fly, extending the Mets’ lead to 4-0.
Willhoite Adds Insurance Run in Ninth
In the eighth inning, Roselli contributed again with an RBI groundout, making the score 5-0. The Mets’ scoring concluded in the ninth inning when Trace Willhoite hit a towering solo home run, his ninth of the season, solidifying the 6-0 victory.
Key Players and Statistics
- Trace Willhoite: 1-for-3, HR, 2 walks, 2 runs scored
- Jeremy Rodriguez: 2-for-5 at the plate
- Cristofer Gomez: Winning pitcher, 3 IP, 5 Ks, 1 hit allowed
Upcoming Game Schedule
The Mets (4-0, 38-31) and Hammerheads (1-3, 31-39) continue their series at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Following this series, fans can look forward to seeing the Mets in action at home as they host the Daytona Tortugas at Clover Park from April 22-27.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie Mets
What league do the St. Lucie Mets play in?
The St. Lucie Mets play in the Florida State League, a Single-A minor league baseball league affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB).
Where do the St. Lucie Mets play home games?
The St. Lucie Mets play their home games at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida, a popular baseball venue on the Treasure Coast.
Are there MLB players on rehab assignments with the St. Lucie Mets?
Yes, MLB players often join the St. Lucie Mets for rehab assignments following injuries, as seen with Brooks Raley who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Can fans attend St. Lucie Mets games?
Yes, fans can attend St. Lucie Mets games. Tickets are typically available online or at the stadium box office on game days.
How much do tickets cost for St. Lucie Mets games?
Ticket prices for St. Lucie Mets games usually range from $8 to $15, depending on seat location and availability.
Fans excited about the future of the team can explore the promising talent on the horizon, as the St. Lucie Mets’ 2025 roster features several top prospects expected to make significant impacts.
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