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Daytona Tortugas Defeat St. Lucie Mets in FSL East Playoff Decider

Daytona Tortugas team celebrates playoff victory over St. Lucie Mets at Clover Park

The Daytona Tortugas secured a 2-0 win over the St. Lucie Mets in game 3 of the Florida State League East Division playoff, ending the Mets’ season at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie on September 12, 2025. This decisive victory allows the Tortugas to advance to the FSL Championship Series. The series was marked by dramatic swings, including the Mets’ 4-2 victory in the opening game that initially put St. Lucie ahead.

Daytona Tortugas Clinch Florida State League East Division Series

The Daytona Tortugas completed a comeback in the best-of-three series against the St. Lucie Mets, winning the final game 2-0. The matchup took place at Clover Park, a key venue for Minor League Baseball in Port St. Lucie. After the Mets’ strong start, Daytona bounced back in game 2, as detailed in the Tortugas’ game-tying performance at Clover Park.

With this win, Daytona moves forward to face the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the Florida State League (FSL) Championship Series, scheduled to begin Sunday, according to official Minor League Baseball sources.

Pitching Dominates in Series Finale at Clover Park

The Tortugas’ pitching staff combined to limit the Mets to only two hits and struck out 11 batters. Mason Morris started for Daytona, delivering three hitless innings. Drew Pestka followed with three innings, allowing just one hit and earning the win.

Edgar Colon contributed by striking out three batters over the seventh and eighth innings. Trent Hodgdon closed the game, striking out the side in the ninth to secure the shutout and series win, according to Minor League Baseball’s official game recap.

St. Lucie Mets’ Offense Stalls

The Mets managed only five base runners throughout the game and failed to score in the final 17 innings of the series. Their last runs came in the first inning of game 2. According to the official MiLB report, the Mets did not have multiple runners on base at the same time until the seventh inning of game 3, when there were already two outs.

Antonio Jimenez led the Mets’ offense, going 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. He represented the tying run in the fourth inning, but Pestka struck out AJ Salgado and induced a groundout from Randy Guzman to keep Daytona ahead. Ultimately, the Mets’ winning run was halted by the Tortugas’ defeat, ending their playoff hopes.

Key Moments and Game Highlights

  • Third Inning: Mets reliever Jonathan Jimenez walked three of the first four batters, loading the bases. Arnaldo Lantigua hit a sacrifice fly to give Daytona a 1-0 lead.
  • Seventh Inning: Alfredo Alcantara hit a leadoff home run, extending the Tortugas’ lead to 2-0.
  • Pitching Performances: Mets starter Truman Pauley threw two scoreless innings, working out of a bases-loaded jam in the second. Jimenez allowed two runs on two hits over four innings and took the loss. Wilson Lopez and Garrett Stratton combined for 2.2 scoreless innings in relief.
  • Defensive Stand: Mets pitchers held Daytona to 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 Tortugas on base.

Series History and Playoff Implications

According to Minor League Baseball records, Daytona is now 3-0 all-time in playoff series against St. Lucie. The Tortugas will compete in the FSL Championship Series against the Lakeland Flying Tigers, while the Mets’ season concludes with this loss.

Fans can follow offseason updates for the St. Lucie Mets through the team’s official website and social media channels.

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie Mets Playoff Loss

What was the result of the St. Lucie Mets vs. Daytona Tortugas playoff game?

The Daytona Tortugas defeated the St. Lucie Mets 2-0 in game 3 of the Florida State League East Division playoff, ending the Mets’ season at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie.

How did the Tortugas limit the Mets’ offense?

Four Daytona pitchers combined to allow only two hits and struck out 11 Mets batters. The Mets did not score in the last 17 innings of the series.

Are there other playoff series between Daytona and St. Lucie?

According to Minor League Baseball, Daytona is now 3-0 all-time in playoff series against St. Lucie. The Tortugas have won every postseason series between the two teams.

Can you attend St. Lucie Mets games at Clover Park?

Yes, St. Lucie Mets home games are played at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. Fans can check the team’s official website for ticket information and schedules.

Where are the Florida State League playoff games held?

Florida State League playoff games are hosted at the home stadiums of the participating teams. This deciding game took place at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie.

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