Cardinals rally in 9th to stun Mets 8-6

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (June 12, 2021) – Tommy Jew hit a grand slam with one out in the top of the ninth to lead the Palm Beach Cardinals to a stunning 8-6 win over the St. Lucie Mets on Saturday night at Clover Park.

After losing a 3-2 lead in the top of the eighth, the Mets rallied for three runs in the bottom of the eighth to grab a 6-4 lead. However, the Cardinals would quickly overcome the deficit.

Mets reliever Drake Nightengale started the ninth with a strikeout but then walked the next two batters. An infield single by Matt Koperniak loaded the bases for Jew, who hit a wall scraping 346-foot grand slam to left field.

Jew also hit a go-ahead three-run homer for the Cardinals in the sixth inning on Friday night, although the Mets were able to overcome that to win. On Saturday, Hector Soto closed out the bottom of the ninth to clinch the victory for Palm Beach.

Ranfy Adon led the Mets with two hits, including a double. Jimmy Titus hit a tie-breaking RBI triple in the eighth that put the Mets up 5-4.

Mets starter Oscar Rojas, the reigning Low-A Southeast Pitcher of the Week, made his home debut. He was solid, allowing just two runs on six hits in a no decision. He has given up two runs over 15.0 innings since joining the team.

The Mets (20-15) and Cardinals (10-25) conclude their series at Clover Park on Sunday at 12:10 p.m.