Mets Score Early, Defeat Cardinals 5-2
Published on August 20, 2015 under Florida State League (FSL1)
St. Lucie Mets News Release
JUPITER, Fla. (August 20, 2015) - The St. Lucie Mets jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 5-2 win over the Palm Beach Cardinals on Thursday at Roger Dean Stadium.
Steven Matz made his second rehab start for St. Lucie. Matz, recovering from a tear in his left lat, pitched 2.2 innings. He scattered four hits and allowed one earned run. Matz struck out one and walked one. He threw 41 pitches with 25 going for strikes.
The lone run for the Cardinals against Matz came on a two-out single by Collin Radack in the first. Stefan Sabol dove for the ball in shallow left field but the ball popped out of his glove as he hit the ground, allowing C.J. McElroy to score.
Matz was pulled after a four-pitch walk to Mason Katz with two outs in the third. Jake Kuebler came in from the bullpen and recorded the final out to strand two base runners.
Kuebler held the Cardinals off the scoreboard for 4.1 innings and earned the win. He gave up just two singles and struck out four.
The Mets scored in each of their first three innings for the second straight game.
Yeixon Ruiz started the game with an infield single and Jeff McNeil followed with a double. Dominic Smith drove in Ruiz with a single and McNeil scored on a ground out by Victor Cruzado to make it 2-0.
A two-out single by McNeil brought home Amed Rosario in the second.
Cardinals starter Jhonny Polanco walked the bases loaded in the third. Colton Plaia made the Cardinals pay when he smoked a two-out, two-run double off reliever Cody Schumacher to put the Mets up 5-1.
McElroy led off the eighth with a solo home run against Kyle Regnault, but Regnault did not allow another run over the final two innings.
McNeil led the way on offense by going 3 for 4 with a double, run and RBI. Ruiz was 2 for 5.
Despite the loss, the Cardinals maintained their four game first place lead in the FSL South over Bradenton. The Mets are now nine games back with 15 to play.
The Mets (62-61, 27-26) and Cardinals (68-55, 36-17) continue their series on Friday. First pitch at Roger Dean Stadium is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from August 20, 2015
- Pigott Homers to Power 'Tugas Comeback - Daytona Tortugas
- Yankees Drop Opener to Tortugas, 7-4 - Tampa Yankees
- D-Jays Drop Series Opener in Lakeland, 4-1 - Dunedin Blue Jays
- Flying Tigers Manager Dave Huppert Wins 1,900th Game - Lakeland Flying Tigers
- Bencomo Outduels Gonzalez in Marauders Loss - Bradenton Marauders
- Mets Score Early, Defeat Cardinals 5-2 - St. Lucie Mets
- Bencomo, Bullpen Shutout Marauders, 1-0, in Series Opener - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
