Jupiter Claims Back and Forth Battle, 4-3
Christian Yelich got things going for Jupiter in the second inning with a leadoff single. After advancing to second base on a groundout, Yelich moved to third on a wild pitch with Taylor Krick at the plate. Krick cashed in the run with a two-out single for the first run of the game.
St. Lucie took a 2-1 lead on a two-out two-run single by Corey Vaughn in the bottom of the third inning. The Hammerheads responded quickly though to tie the game with some more two-out magic in the top of the fourth. Again it was Krick, this time with an RBI-double to drive in Mark Canha.
In the bottom of the frame, it was the Mets who took the lead once more. Jupiter starter Jose Fernandez issued a two-out walk to Juan Torres and T.J. Rivera followed with an RBI-double to put St. Lucie on top 3-2. The Hammerheads resilience continued in the fifth with an RBI-groundout by Marcell Ozuna to knot the score at 3-3.
Fernandez exited after five and got a no-decision. He allowed three runs on five hits, walked three and struck out five. Mets' starter Chase Huchingson last five innings as well. He was charged with three runs (two earned) on eight hits in the game.
Each team's bullpen held the opposition scoreless for two innings, before the Hammerheads broke through against Jack Leathersich in the top of the eighth. Realmuto led off the frame with a single and moved to second when Krick drew a walk. Aaron Dudley drove in Realmuto for the decisive run of the game with a single.
Grant Dayton (2-5) picked up the win for Jupiter with two shutout innings in relief of Fernandez. Leathersich (0-1) suffered the loss for St. Lucie. Michael Brady pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his 13th save of the season for the Hammerheads.
The Mets will take on Jupiter again tomorrow night in game two of the three-game series. RH Rafael Montero (1-0, 3.65) will take the mound for St. Lucie against RH Robert Morey (5-0, 2.20) for the Hammerheads. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.