Hammerheads defeat Mets 7-4 in rain-shortened game

JUPITER, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2021) – The Jupiter Hammerheads defeated the St. Lucie Mets 7-4 in a six-inning, rain-shortened game on Saturday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

The Hammerheads jumped out to a big lead early by scoring five runs, all with two outs, in the first inning. Mets starter Luis Rodriguez retired the first two batters he faced but the next six batters reached base safely. Marcus Chiu hit a grand slam to make it 5-0.

The Mets rallied back by scoring four runs with two outs in the fourth inning. Kevin Kendall hit a two-run double and Alex Ramirez followed with a two-run single to cut the deficit to 5-4.

Jupiter’s Paul McIntosh clubbed a two-run homer in the fifth inning to put the Hammerheads up 7-4.

The game was delayed by lightning with one out in the bottom of the sixth and did not resume due to rain.

Rodriguez (0-1) took the loss in his first St. Lucie start. He lasted just the first inning and was tagged for five runs on four hits.

Dylan Hall pitched 2.0 scoreless innings in a Minor League rehab appearance.

Jupiter starter Gabe Bierman stranded six runners over the first three innings and held the Mets to 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position. He was removed after 3.2 innings and was charged with one run.

Troy Cruz (4-1) pitched a scoreless inning to claim the win.

Kendall went 3 for 4 with a double, two RBI and a run.

Branden Fryman was 2 for 3 with a double, walk and a run.

The Mets (55-49) and Hammerheads (56-49) conclude their series at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Sunday at 12 p.m. The Hammerheads lead the Southeast East Division by 0.5 games over the Mets. The Mets will be looking for the series victory.