The St. Lucie Mets overcame a late 3-0 deficit to defeat the Daytona Tortugas 6-4 on Thursday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach. With this victory, the Mets have now won two consecutive games and hold a 2-1 lead in the series.

St. Lucie Mets Rally Late Against Daytona Tortugas

The game remained scoreless through the first four innings, as both teams struggled to generate offense early. Daytona finally broke through in the fifth inning, capitalizing on two unearned runs off minor league rehab pitcher Oliver Ortega. In the sixth inning, the Tortugas extended their lead to 3-0 with a solo home run by Carter Graham against Mets reliever Irving Cota.

Mets Seventh-Inning Surge Turns Game Around

Momentum shifted dramatically in the seventh inning when Daytona reliever Dominic Scheffler struggled with control, walking four batters and recording just one out. Kevin Villavicencio drew a bases-loaded walk to score the Mets’ first run, followed by a fortunate RBI single from Willy Fanas, whose fly ball was lost in the lights by Tortugas center fielder Carlos Sanchez.

Jeremy Rodriguez then walked with the bases loaded, forcing in the tying run and ending Scheffler’s night. Against new pitcher Drew Pestka, Yonatan Henriquez grounded out slowly to first base, allowing Villavicencio to score and giving the Mets a 4-3 lead they would not surrender.

Mets Extend Lead in Eighth, Secure Victory

St. Lucie added insurance runs in the eighth inning, with an RBI single from Trace Willhoite and a run-scoring groundout by Villavicencio, extending their lead to 6-3. Daytona threatened in the bottom half, as Cota and reliever Josh Blum combined to issue three consecutive two-out walks, forcing home a run and narrowing the Mets’ lead to 6-4. Blum, however, recovered to strike out Ryan McCrystal and end the threat.

Strong Pitching Performance by Wellington Aracena

Mets starter Wellington Aracena delivered an impressive performance, pitching four scoreless innings while allowing only one hit and one walk. Aracena struck out five batters, hitting 100 mph on the radar gun. After walking the first batter he faced, Aracena retired 11 consecutive hitters.

Irving Cota earned the win for the Mets, pitching 2.2 innings and allowing two runs on two hits while striking out five. Josh Blum secured his first save of the season, striking out back-to-back hitters in the ninth inning to close the game. Overall, Mets pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts and only four walks.

Key Offensive Performances for St. Lucie

The Mets’ offense was led by Vincent Perozo, who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two runs scored. Daiverson Gutierrez also contributed significantly, finishing 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs.

The victory improves the Mets’ record to 19-17, while the Tortugas fall to 16-20. The two teams will continue their series at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Friday, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Earlier this season, the Mets showcased their dominance at home when they overpowered the Daytona Tortugas 11-2 at Clover Park, highlighting their offensive capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie Mets

What league do the St. Lucie Mets play in?

The St. Lucie Mets are a Minor League Baseball team competing in the Single-A Florida State League. They are affiliated with the New York Mets.

Where do the St. Lucie Mets play their home games?

The St. Lucie Mets play their home games at Clover Park, located in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The stadium also serves as the spring training facility for the New York Mets.

How much do tickets cost for St. Lucie Mets games?

Ticket prices for St. Lucie Mets games typically range from $7 to $15, depending on seating location and special promotions. Discounts are often available for seniors, children, and military personnel.

Can you watch St. Lucie Mets games online?

Yes, St. Lucie Mets games are available for streaming online through MiLB.TV. Fans can subscribe to watch live games and access archived broadcasts.

Are there special promotions at St. Lucie Mets games?

Yes, the St. Lucie Mets regularly offer special promotions and themed nights, including fireworks shows, giveaways, and family-friendly activities. For example, fans recently enjoyed a special event when the St. Lucie Mets hosted the Daytona Tortugas at Clover Park from April 22-27. Check their official website for the latest promotional schedule.

Fans also witnessed another exciting matchup earlier this year when the Mets secured a 4-2 victory over the Tortugas at Clover Park, further enhancing their strong home record.

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