Costly defense hurts Mets in 5-3 loss to Fort Myers

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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (August 29, 2017) - The Fort Myers Miracle took advantage of sloppy defense by the St. Lucie Mets in a 5-3 win on Tuesday at First Data Field.
 
The Miracle scored all five runs, only one earned, in the fifth inning when the Mets committed two costly errors. The first came on a botched bunt play when pitcher Harol Gonzalez tried to get the lead runner at third base and the ball was dropped by Nick Sergakis. That allowed Jaylin Davis to score to cut the Mets lead to 2-1. Two runners also moved into scoring position.
 
Then with the Fort Myers leading 3-2 later in the inning, shortstop J.C. Rodriguez had a grounder bounce away from him that plated another run for a 4-2 Miracle lead. The next batter Mitchell Kranson cranked a RBI double. Kranson then scored on Zander Wiel's single to make it 5-2.
 
The Mets had a couple chances to come back. Tim Tebow and Michael Paez both reached base to start the sixth inning, but Miracle reliever Michael Theofanopolous responded to record three consecutive strikeouts.
 
In the eighth inning, Sam Clay struck out Rodriguez to end the inning and strand the tying run in scoring position.
 
Miracle starter Sean Poppen was behind 2-0 after four innings, but he ended up getting the win. He allowed three runs in five innings and struck out five batters.
 
Gonzalez took the tough loss. He lasted 4.2 innings and only one of the four runs against him was earned.
 
Tebow and catcher Jose Garcia went 2 for 4. Tebow added a stolen base.
 
The Mets (60-73, 27-38) and Miracle (73-58, 40-22) conclude their series at First Data Field on Wednesday. First pitch is 6:30 p.m.