VB Dodgers return to work; beat Mets

Published on June 14, 2006 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Vero Beach Devil Rays News Release


(Vero Beach, FL) - Xavier Paul drove in three runs to help the Vero Beach Dodgers to a 6-2 victory over the St. Lucie Mets Wednesday night at Holman Stadium. It was the Vero's first game since Sunday due to rainouts caused by Tropical Storm Alberto. Fittingly, Alberto Bastardo earned the win to improve to 2-3 on the year. The series ends Thursday night at 7:00 PM with a Thirsty Thursday at Holman Stadium.

The Dodgers took an early lead in the first inning with a little help from the Mets. Blake DeWitt had walked and Cory Dunlap doubled to put runners at second and third with two outs. Bruce then grounded a ball toward third that was misplayed and when the ball went into left, both runners scored for a 2-0 advantage.

In the second inning, Xavier Paul drove in his first two runs with a double. Adolfo Gonzalez and Jamie Hoffmann each had reached on base hits and both game home to put the Dodgers up 4-0.

Starter Jonathan Figueroa did his part to keep the Dodgers ahead. Though the Mets had a healthy number of baserunners, Figueroa coaxed three double plays in his four innings of work. St. Lucie's only runs came on a 2-out single from Cory Coles in the third and a double from Jose Cruz in the fourth. Figueroa retired his last three batters, including two by strikeout.

Bastardo threw two scoreless innings for the win. Blake Johnson dealt two more perfect frames and Wesley Wright retired the side in order in the 9th, striking out the final two batters.

Dodger pitching combined to set down the last 10 Mets of the game.

Vero Beach found breathing room in the fourth. Hoffmann led off with a double and later scored on Paul's sacrifice fly to left. Blake DeWitt followed with his fourth home run of the season to set up of the final score of 6-2. Four Dodgers tallied multiple hits, with Hoffmann's three hits leading the way.

The win snapped a 5-game losing streak for the Dodgers. It increased the Mets slide to four games, though St. Lucie entered Wednesday's contest with a 2-game for first in the East with five games to play in the half.

NOTE: Scott Elbert was added to the East Division roster for the Florida State League All Star game. He takes the spot of Daytona's Sean Gallagher who was promoted to AA. Elbert is 4-4 with a 2.81 ERA and will start Thursday in the series finale against St. Lucie.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Florida State League Stories from June 14, 2006


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.

OurSports Central