Game Recap: Threshers win series opener 8-5 vs. St. Lucie Mets

 

ST. LUCIE METS PRESS RELEASE: CLEARWATER, Fla. (April 25, 2023) – The Clearwater Threshers took advantage of key errors by the St. Lucie Mets and went on win 8-5 in the series opener at BayCare Ballpark on Tuesday (Box Score).

 

The Mets got off to a good start, scoring two runs on a pair of two-out hits in the second inning. Blaine McIntosh belted a RBI triple and Rhylan Thomas followed with a RBI single to make it 2-0.

 

In the bottom of the third, Justin Crawford reached base on a fielding error by Mets starter Douglas Orellana that loaded the bases. Caleb Ricketts followed with a run-scoring single to cut the Mets lead to 2-1. Orellana was a strike away from ending the inning but threw a wild pitch that brought home Erick Brito for the tying run.

 

The Mets had a great chance to take a multi-run lead in the fourth inning when they loaded the bases against Jonh Henriquez with no outs. However, Henriquez was able to limit the Mets to just a Thomas run-scoring ground out that made it 3-2 Mets.

 

Otto Kemp led off the bottom of the fourth with a home run to tie the game 3-3.

 

The fateful inning for the Mets was the bottom of the fifth. Lefty reliever Brian Gursky allowed an infield hit to Crawford and walked the next two batters to load the bases. Chad Castillo then hit a comebacker to Gursky, who threw it wide to home plate. Two runs came into score on the error to make it 5-3 Threshers. Kemp then hit a sac fly for a 6-3 lead.

 

Ricketts tagged Gursky for a two-run double in the sixth for an 8-3 lead.

 

Jett Williams ripped a RBI double in the seventh inning and Jacob Reimer followed with a RBI single to plate Williams. That cut the Threshers lead to 8-5, but the Mets would get no closer.

 

Gursky took the loss, allowing five runs (three earned) in 2.0 innings.

 

Orellana pitched 4.0 solid inning, giving up two earned runs and five hits.

 

Williams went 3 for 4 with a double, two singles and a walk.

 

Henriquez held the Mets to one run over 3.0 innings to get the win. Orion Kerkering hit 100 mph in the ninth inning as he closed out the Mets in order for the save.

 

The Mets (5-11) and Threshers (10-6) continue their series at BayCare Ballpark on Wednesday. First pitch is 6:30 p.m.