News | Port St. Lucie

St. Lucie Mets Edge Lakeland Flying Tigers 5-4 at Clover Park

August 26, 2025
10:02 pm

The St. Lucie Mets secured a narrow 5-4 victory over the Lakeland Flying Tigers in a competitive Florida State League matchup at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie on August 26, 2025. This series opener featured standout defensive plays, timely hitting, and key pitching performances as the Mets maintained their push for the FSL East Division second-half title. For a detailed breakdown of this exciting contest, check out the full game recap of the St. Lucie Mets edging the Lakeland Flying Tigers 5-4.

St. Lucie Mets vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers: Game Recap

The St. Lucie Mets overcame five errors and issued 10 walks but managed to outlast the Lakeland Flying Tigers in a tightly contested game. The win trimmed the Mets’ magic number to clinch the FSL East Division second half to three, keeping them ahead in the standings.

Defensive Highlights by Mitch Voit

Mitch Voit, the Mets’ second baseman and recent first-round draft pick, made several crucial defensive plays throughout the game. In the first inning, Voit turned an unassisted double play with the bases loaded, limiting the Tigers to a single run. He followed up with a sliding catch in foul territory in the second inning and executed a 4-3 double play with a jump throw in the third.

Voit continued his defensive showcase with a diving catch to his left and a backhanded play over the second base bag, helping the Mets contain the Flying Tigers’ offense despite multiple fielding errors.

Antonio Jimenez Delivers at the Plate

Antonio Jimenez, the Mets’ third baseman and third-round draft pick, contributed significantly with the bat. Jimenez went 1-for-2 with three RBIs, driving in runs with sacrifice flies in the first and fifth innings. His most important hit came in the seventh inning, when he broke a 4-4 tie with a two-out RBI single off Lakeland reliever Eric Silva, putting the Mets ahead for good.

Pitching Performances Shape the Outcome

The Mets’ bullpen played a pivotal role in securing the win. Christian Rodriguez pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief, earning his third win of the season. Wilson Lopez returned from the 7-day injured list and delivered a scoreless inning, aided by right fielder Simon Juan, who caught a line drive and doubled off a runner at first base.

In the ninth inning, Yuhi Sako struck out the first batter but was ejected for an apparent foreign substance violation. Layonel Ovalles entered from the bullpen, striking out Jesus Pinto on his first pitch and inducing a flyout from Ricardo Hurtado to record his first save. The Mets’ pitching staff has also delivered in other recent games, such as their strong showing on Education Day when the St. Lucie Mets secured a win over the Tampa Tarpons.

Truman Pauley Makes Professional Debut

Truman Pauley, the Mets’ 12th-round pick from Harvard, made his professional debut as the starting pitcher. Pauley faced challenges, recording one out in the first inning before being lifted after 21 pitches. He allowed one run on two walks in his brief outing.

Key Offensive Contributions

The Mets’ offense capitalized on opportunities despite defensive struggles. Randy Guzman went 1-for-4 and hit a game-tying solo home run in the sixth inning. AJ Salgado, batting ninth, was 2-for-2 with two singles, a walk, an RBI, and a run scored, providing crucial support from the bottom of the lineup. Looking ahead, fans can catch the St. Lucie Mets hosting the Daytona Tortugas at Clover Park for another exciting series.

Antonio Jimenez: 1-for-2, 3 RBIs, go-ahead single in 7th inning
Randy Guzman: Solo home run in 6th inning
AJ Salgado: 2-for-2, RBI, run scored

Game Statistics and Standings Impact

The Flying Tigers managed to get their leadoff hitter on base in seven of nine innings, including six times via walks. However, Mets pitchers limited Lakeland to just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. The Flying Tigers stranded nine runners on base, missing several chances to take the lead.

With this win, the Mets improved their overall record to 72-48 (38-17 in the second half), while the Flying Tigers dropped to 69-48 (31-22 in the second half). The two teams will continue their series at Clover Park, with the next game scheduled for Wednesday at 1:10 p.m.

Notable Moments at Clover Park

Mitch Voit turned multiple double plays and made highlight-reel catches
Antonio Jimenez delivered the game-winning hit in the seventh inning
Layonel Ovalles earned his first career save
Yuhi Sako ejected in the ninth for a foreign substance violation

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie Mets vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers

What was the final score of the St. Lucie Mets vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers game?

The St. Lucie Mets defeated the Lakeland Flying Tigers 5-4 in the series opener at Clover Park on August 26, 2025.

Who were the standout players for the St. Lucie Mets?

Mitch Voit made several key defensive plays, and Antonio Jimenez drove in three runs, including the game-winning RBI. Pitchers Christian Rodriguez and Layonel Ovalles also played important roles in the win.

Where is Clover Park located?

Clover Park is located in Port St. Lucie, Florida. It is the home stadium for the St. Lucie Mets, a Minor League Baseball team.

How did the Mets’ pitching staff perform despite the walks and errors?

Even though the Mets allowed 10 walks and committed five errors, their pitchers limited the Flying Tigers to just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine Lakeland runners.