Hammerheads clip Mets 2-1 in series finale

JUPITER, Fla. (April 14, 2024) – The Jupiter Hammerheads edged the St. Lucie Mets 2-1 in Sunday’s series finale at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. The Hammerheads took four of six games in the series.

Four Hammerheads pitchers combined to one-hit the Mets. The foursome retired 22 consecutive batters to end the game. Starter Jake Brooks got the win. He tossed 6.0 innings, giving up one hit and one run. Brooks walked one and struck out five.

Relievers Justin Evans, Xavier Meachum and Josh Ekness each pitched a perfect inning to finish out the game.

The Mets took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Estarling Mercado hit a two-out RBI double off Brooks to bring home Nick Morabito. Mercado would end up being the last Met to reach base.

Jupiter tied the game in the fourth inning. Jake DeLeo led off the inning by reaching on an error by shortstop Colin Houck. Two batters later Ryan Ignoffo hit an RBI single off Mets starter Candido Cuevas to plate DeLeo and tie the game 1-1.

The Hammerheads took the lead in the sixth inning. DeLeo drew a leadoff walk from reliever Zach Thornton. Johnny Olmstead then dropped down a bunt that was fielded by Thornton, who threw wayward to first base for an error. Colby Shade later singled in DeLeo for a 2-1 lead.

Cuevas pitched well in a no-decision. He allowed one unearned over 3.1 innings. Cuevas walked two and struck out five.

Thornton took the loss, giving up one unearned run over 2.0 innings.

Jawilme Ramirez tossed 2.0 scoreless innings and Brett Banks contributed a scoreless eighth with two strikeouts.

Jupiter’s Mark Coley II was 1 for 1 with a double, two walks a hit-by-pitch and two stolen bases.

The Mets (3-6) are off on Monday. They return to the diamond on Tuesday when they start a six-game series against the Tampa Tarpons at Clover Park. First pitch on Tuesday is 6:10 p.m.