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Mets Pull Away from Tortugas, 7-1

August 2, 2019 - Florida State League (FSL1)
St. Lucie Mets News Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The St. Mets won their third consecutive game, defeating the Daytona Tortugas 7-1 on Friday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

The Mets were sluggish early, trailing 1-0 and being held to one hit through four innings. Manny Rodriguez sparked the team to life with a game-tying double in the top of the fifth. Hansel Moreno later singled in the inning to bring home Rodriguez for a 2-1 lead.

The Mets took control of the game in the seventh with three runs. Matt Winaker dropped down a sac bunt that was picked up and thrown away by third baseman Bryant Flete. Both Mets base runners, Blake Tiberi and Rodriguez, circled the bases to score and make it 4-1. Wagner Lagrange capped the inning with a run-scoring single to plate Winaker for a 5-1 advantage.

The Mets extended their lead to 7-1 with a pair of runs in the ninth. Carlos Cortes belted a RBI double and Mitch Ghelfi singled home Cortes.

The turning point in the game for the Mets actually came on defense. Reliever Thomas McIlraith was in trouble in the sixth with the bases loaded and one out nursing a 2-1 lead. McIlraith got a ground ball from Lorenzo Cedrola that was turned into a double play by Cortes, Rodriguez and Jeremy Vasquez.

McIlraith pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in relief of starter Thomas Szapucki. McIlraith has now been credited with a win in three straight appearances.

Szapucki fought his command early but only surrendered one run in the first inning. He tossed 4.2 innings and struck out seven while giving up five hits.

Carlos Hernandez finished out the contest with two scoreless innings in a non-save situation.

Rodriguez went 1 for 2 with a double, two walks, RBI and a run.

Cortes and Moreno had two hits apiece.

Eight of the nine Mets in the lineup ended up getting a hit.

Daytona's Mac Sceroler delivered a quality start but suffered the loss. He allowed two runs on three hits in six innings.

The Mets (28-15, 60-49) and Tortugas (19-24, 54-54) play the middle game of their series at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Florida State League Stories from August 2, 2019

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