Flying Tigers Surge Past Mets, 5-4
April 21, 2023 - Florida State League (FSL)
St. Lucie Mets News Release
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - The Lakeland Flying Tigers overcame a 4-1 deficit to beat the St. Lucie Mets 5-4 on Friday night at Clover Park.
MiLB rehabber Dillon Dingler got the comeback started with a solo homer in the sixth that knocked Mets starter Felipe De La Cruz out of the game. Reliever Jean Calderon came in and walked Peyton Graham. Graham advanced to third on an errant pickoff throw and scored on a Calderon wild pitch to cut the Mets lead to 4-3.
The Flying Tigers scored twice off Christopher Vasquez in the seventh to take the lead. Dingler tied the game with a single and Graham put Lakeland ahead with a run-scoring ground out that made it 5-4.
A trio of Lakeland relievers held the Mets hitless over the final four innings. Connor Holden pitched 1.1 perfect innings to get the win. Erick Rodriguez issued one walk in two innings of work but he erased the free pass with a double play. Trevin Michael pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his second save.
The Mets broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth inning when Garrett Apker plunked Yeral Martinez with the bases loaded to force home Jett Williams and put the Mets up 2-1. Later in the inning Dyron Campos blooped a two-run single to make it 4-1 Mets.
De La Cruz took a tough luck no decision. He logged 5.1 innings, scattered five hit and allowed two runs (one earned).
Junior Tilien went 2 for 2 with a pair of singles and two walks.
The Mets (4-9) and Flying Tigers (7-6) continue their series on Saturday. It's Marvel Super Hero Night with the Mets wearing special Black Panther jerseys and a guest appearance by Spiderman! The jerseys will be up for auction on stluciemets.com/auction through April 27th. Proceeds go the Voices for Children.
Saturday will also feature postgame fireworks. First pitch is 6:10 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from April 21, 2023
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- Marauders Win Seventh Straight in Blowout Fashion - Bradenton Marauders
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