Mets Hang on in 9th, Edge Yankees 2-1
Published on June 15, 2016 under Florida State League (FSL1)
St. Lucie Mets News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - The St. Lucie Mets held off a late rally by the Tampa Yankees for a 2-1 victory on Wednesday at Steinbrenner Field.
With the tying run at third base and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Corey Taylor struck out Abiatal Avelino looking to end the game. Taylor pitched around two singles and a walk while allowing an unearned run. He struck out three batters in the frame to get his ninth save.
Mets starter Corey Oswalt was brilliant. He shut out the Yankees over eight innings. He gave up just two hits and one walk. He struck out eight. Jorge Mateo singled to lead off the first but Oswalt would go on to retire 16 in a row before issuing a walk with two outs in the sixth.
Rehabbing Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud gave the Mets a huge lift. Not only did he catch all nine innings and lead Oswalt and Taylor, he contributed at the plate by going 2 for 3 with a double, RBI single and a walk. His two-out single up the middle in the eighth plated Jonathan Johnson to put the Mets up 2-0.
The first run in the game for the Mets came in the fifth on Champ Stuart's sac fly that plated John Mora. Mora ended up 2 for 4. It was his third consecutive multi-hit game.
Yankees No. 5 prospect Domingo Acevedo made his FSL debut and allowed one run in 5.2 innings. His inability to cover first base in time on Mora's bunt in the fifth proved costly. He compounded the issue by balking and pushing Mora to second.
The Mets took three of four from the Yankees and completed their nine-game road trip with a 7-2 record. They just missed their third consecutive strikeout. Austin Aune's two-out RBI single in the ninth scrapped that chance. The Yankees previously went 25 innings in the series without scoring.
The Mets remain two games behind Bradenton for first place in the FSL South with four games to go. Realistically the Mets are three back because if the teams end up tied for first place the Marauders win the division thanks to their 7-2 head-to-head record.
Next Up: The Mets (33-31, 2nd) return home Thursday for one game against the Jupiter Hammerheads (30-35, 6th) before the FSL All Star break. First pitch at Tradition Field is 6:30 p.m.
For the Fans: Thursday is Unity Night at Tradition Field. Fans are encouraged to give blood and make donations to help with the Orlando relief efforts. A Ring of Unity will be held on the field at 6 p.m. Fans can join the Mets on the field.
Thursday is also Dollar Night with $2 draft beer, $1 hot dogs, $1 soda and $1 popcorn. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from June 15, 2016
- Miracle Snap Losing Streak with 4-2 Win at Lakeland - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Yankees End Run Drought, Fall to Mets, 2-1 - Tampa Yankees
- Tortugas Sweep Away Hammerheads - Daytona Tortugas
- Stone Crabs Enter Break with Win - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Mets Hang on in 9th, Edge Yankees 2-1 - St. Lucie Mets
- Roger Dean Stadium Hires Pam Sartory as Director of Accounting - Jupiter Hammerheads
- Threshers Surge Late in 9-7 Loss - Clearwater Threshers
- Crabs Run out of Comebacks - Charlotte Stone Crabs
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