Recap: Lakeland vs St Lucie (4-25-17)

PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL --

Despite the great weather, it was not a great night for the St. Lucie Mets as they lost a tough contest to the visiting Lakeland Flying Tigers at First Data Field.

The night began on a sour note for Mets starting pitcher Thomas McIlraith, who had to leave the game woth an undisclosed injury, after retiring the Lakeland lead off hitter, Ross Kivett, on a line drive to center.

The Mets did strike first; a two-run blast by 2B Jeff McNeil in the bottom of the 1st. The lead didn't last long, as Lakeland plated five in the top of the third, aided by a Joey Pankake 2-run shot and Arvicent Perez's bases-loaded double.

Los Metos added runs in their halves of the 3rd and 4th to bring the game closer at 5-4, but Zac Shepherd added a solo HR for the Flying Tigers in the 8th, bringing the score to 6-4. A passed ball allowed Jhoan Urena to score in the bottom of the frame, but not enough to break even for the home squad.

Mets reliever Justin Brantley surrendered 3 insurance runs to Lakeland in the 9th on fove hots.

Final score: Lakeland 9, St. Lucie 5

LFT. 9 13. 0
SLM. 5 10. 0
Time: 3:03

Rebirth of My Blog - PhillieSophically Speaking, of Course!

Today, April 25, 2017, I re-launch my baseball-themed discussion page - PhillieSophically Speaking. Byt today, as I write from sunny and beautiful Port St. Lucie, Florida, I am seated in the press box at First Data Field, home of the St. Lucie Mets and cornerstone of the NY Mets spring training complex. What a fantastic facility this is!

The Mets will face the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the Florida State League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Hobestly, the game itself doesn't matter much at all. Class A ball is all about young ball players showcasing their talents, hoping to advance and follow their ultimate dream... a call-up to THE SHOW.

Enjoy my updates and commentary and, as always, feel free to participate in discussion threads.

PLAY BALL (speaking PhillieSophically, of course)!!