Biondi's big hit leads Mets to 8-5 win at Jupiter

JUPITER, Fla. (July 7, 2016) - Patrick Biondi pulled a two-out, two-run single into right field in the top of the ninth to break a tie and send the St. Lucie Mets to an 8-5 win over the Jupiter Hammerheads on Thursday at Roger Dean Stadium.
 
Paul Paez inherited two bases runners in the bottom of the ninth but retired all three batters he faced to close out the game and record his second save.
 
The game went back and forth early with four ties. Lednier Ricardo bashed a two-out RBI ground rule double in the fourth to put the Mets up 5-4. Jupiter's Arturo Rodriguez laced a two-out RBI single in the sixth to tie the game 5-5.
 
Hammerheads reliever James Buckelew settled the game down for the home team with four hitless innings. In the ninth the Hammerheads sent Esmerling De La Rosa to the mound. The Mets tagged him for three runs and three hits. He walked a batter and threw a wild pitch.
 
After Biondi put the Mets ahead 7-5, he advanced to second and third on a passed ball and wild pitch. Vinny Siena singled home Biondi to give the Mets a three-run cushion.
 
Mets starter Ricky Knapp was solid over 7.1 innings. He scattered seven hits and allowed five runs, but only three were earned.
 
Ben Griset was credited with a win after recording two outs in the eighth. He stranded the go-ahead run on second base.
 
Biondi drove in three runs. Luis Guillorme produced his seventh three-hit game of the season. Ricardo was 2 for 4 with two doubles, two RBIs and a run scored.
 
Next Up: The Mets (43-38, 8-6) start a four-game series at the Clearwater Threshers on Friday. First pitch from Bright House Field is 6:15 p.m.