Tortugas stun Mets 11-8

DAYTONA, Fla. (August 26, 2019) - The Daytona Tortugas overcame a seven-run deficit late in the game and stunned the St. Lucie Mets 11-8 on Monday at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
The Mets looked well on their way to snapping an 11-game losing streak when Carlos Cortes belted a grand slam in the top of the seventh inning to stretch the Mets' lead to 8-1. However, the Tortugas would score 10 unanswered over the next two innings to sink the Mets.
Alejo Lopez hit a two-out, two-run single in the eighth to cut the Mets' lead to 8-7. Andy Sugilio followed with a bloop RBI single to tie the game. That brought up Jose Garcia, who crushed a long three-run homer to give the Tortugas the 11-8 lead.
Ryan Nutof pitched a scoreless ninth to end the game.
The loss spoiled a terrific start for Jaison Vilera. He came out for the bottom of the seventh with just one run allowed. He departed the inning after the first two Tortugas singled.
The Mets bullpen struggled. The three relievers who pitched combined to give up eight runs (plus two inherited runs) on seven hits and two walks in two innings. Ezequiel Zabaleta was charged with five runs in 0.2 innings. Darwin Ramos took the loss after surrendering three runs in 0.1 innings.
New York Mets infielder Jed Lowrie continued his rehab assignment. He went 0 for 3 at the plate and played five innings at second base.
The grand slam by Cortes was the first grand slam for the team this season. It was the 11th homer for Cortes to lead all Mets.
Mitch Ghelfi went 2 for 4 with a triple, double, two RBI and a run.
The 12th straight loss ties a franchise record. The team also lost 12 in a row in 2008 and 2011.
The Mets (35-30, 67-64) and Tortugas (29-37, 64-67) play the second game of their four-game series on Tuesday. First pitch at Jackie Robinson Ballpark is slated for 7:05 p.m.