St. Lucie Mets Capture FSL Championship

A team who had the Manatees number all season-long, the St. Lucie Mets, clinched the 2006 Florida State League Championship Monday night. The Mets, led by Hall-of-Famer, Gary Carter, earned their second title in the last four years by polishing off the Dunedin Blue Jays in three games. St. Lucie won all five of their playoff games and swept the championship series against Dunedin.

Jesus Flores, who hit .239 against the Manatees this season, went 4-4 in the Mets 6-2 victory in game #2 of the championship series. The catcher stepped up during the playoffs by posting a .471 batting average. The starting pitcher for St. Lucie, Jose Sanchez, kept the Blue Jays scoreless through six in the championship game and only allowed one run over 6 and 2/3 innings. The 22-year old Sanchez didn't keep his domination just for the playoffs. When facing the Manatees this season, Sanchez went 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA. The right-hander threw brilliant and kept the powerful Manatees lineup to a .208 batting average.

This championship is Gary Carter's second as a Manager for a Mets affiliate. The former New York Mets catcher earned a Gulf Coast League Championship in 2005. Dominating the Florida State League before the All-Star Break, St. Lucie finished 40-30 to win the first half. Even after promotions including that of 1st round draft pick, Mike Pelfrey, who eventually made a Major League start, St. Lucie ended the second half only one game behind Palm Beach at 37-32. Overall, Carter's club earned their victory and the Manatees congratulate the St. Lucie Mets on a successful season. The Manatees staff and fans look forward to the many match-ups against the championship team next season.

The Brevard County Manatees are the High-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. For more information on 2007 season tickets, call the Manatees office at (321) 633-9200 or log on to the Manatees website at www.manateesbaseball.com.