Jupiter defeats St. Lucie 9-5 in Back-and-Forth Home Opener
In a back and forth affair, the Jupiter Hammerheads defeat the St. Lucie Mets 9-5 in their home opener Tuesday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Jupiter recorded a season-high in runs and hits (10) and, despite 11 walks and a hit-by-pitch issued, improve to 2-2 on the young season.
In a back and forth affair, the Jupiter Hammerheads defeat the St. Lucie Mets 9-5 in their home opener Tuesday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Jupiter recorded a season-high in runs and hits (10) and, despite 11 walks and a hit-by-pitch issued, improve to 2-2 on the young season.
After John Cruz turned a crucial double play from right field in the top of the first, the 18-year-old recorded his first hit and and RBIs with a two-out two-run single in the bottom of the frame to give the Hammerheads an early 2-0.
Then, Hammerheads starting pitcher Jhoniel Serrano ran into some trouble in the top of the second inning. The Mets would score four runs thanks in large part to three walks and a hit-by-pitch. But Jupiter had a quick response in the bottom of the frame. With one out, Colby Shade was hit by a pitch and Jordan McCants singled to put two runners on. Then, Mark Coley II drove in both on a two-RBI single and Jesus Hernandez drove in Coley II to take the lead back for the Hammerheads at 5-4.
After the Mets tied the ballgame 5-5 in the top of the third inning, the ballgame settled down for a couple of innings. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Jupiter got the offense going once again. With two outs and two runners on, Yeral Martinez would break the tie with an RBI double to make it 6-5, proving to be the game-winning run. One inning later, the Hammerheads padded their lead with three runs thanks to a passed ball, a Hernandez RBI single, and a Brock Vradenburg RBI groundout in succession to make it 9-5 in favor of Jupiter.
Meanwhile, Juan Reynoso (W, 1-1), Nigel Belgrave (H, 2) and Josh Ekness combined for six scoreless and hitless innings out of the Hammerheads bullpen with 10 strikeouts to secure the series opening victory.
Hernandez led the way offensively for Jupiter by going 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs, two stolen bases, and two runs scored. Coley II led all players in runs scored with three. Cruz finished 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs, a walk, and an outfield assist in the field.
The Jupiter Hammerheads continue their homestand against the St. Lucie Mets on Wednesday, April 10th at 6:30 p.m. at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Click here to become a member of Silver Sluggers and be sure to get your tickets by clicking here.
About Jupiter Stadium, LTD:
Opening in 1998, the 110-acre complex/stadium is specially designed to house two Major League and two Minor League Baseball Teams. The stadium is home to the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals for Spring Training. The Florida State League’s Jupiter Hammerheads (Class A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins) and Palm Beach Cardinals (Class A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) make their home at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium from April through September. This year-round facility can accommodate the smallest birthday party to the largest corporate outing, while never forgetting that each and every fan is our most important product.