Marauders rally late, get walk-off 3-2 win over Mets

BRADENTON, Fla. (May 8, 2024) – The Bradenton Marauders won their sixth straight game in dramatic fashion, 3-2, over the St. Lucie Mets on Wednesday night at LECOM Park. It was the fifth straight loss for the Mets.

Bradenton scored a run in the eighth to tie the game then another run in the ninth to win the game. It was the fourth time in 14 road games this season the Mets have suffered a walk-off defeat.

The Mets led 2-1 in the eighth inning. With one two outs and a runner at first base, the Marauders worked a pair of walks against Mets reliever Zach Thornton to load the bases. Omar Alfonzo then laced a 1-2 pitch into right field for a RBI single that tied the game. Mets right fielder Jeffry Rosa threw out pinch runner Solomon Maguire at the plate as the go-ahead run.

The Marauders winning rally in the ninth started with a one-out walk drawn by Javier Rivas against Ryan Ammons. A wild pitch by Ammons sent Rivas to second base. Jeral Toledo came to the plate and hit what looked like a harmless ground ball on the infield. The ball hit the second base bag and flew over Jesus Baez’s head into shallow center field, allowing Rivas to score the winning run.

New York Mets pitcher David Peterson made his third rehab start with St. Lucie. Peterson pitched 3.2 innings of scoreless ball. He gave up one and walked one while striking out seven. Peterson’s line in his three rehab games: 8.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 16 K.

The Mets snapped a 33-inning scoreless streak in the first inning when Baez hit a two-out solo homer for a 1-0 lead. The franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings is 34.

Estarling Mercado mashed two-out RBI double in the second inning to put the Mets up 2-0. However, the Mets offense dried up and only managed three hits the rest of the night.

Baez went 3 for 4 to account for half the Mets hits. He extended his hitting streak to nine games.

Thornton pitched 4.0 innings. He scattered four hits and gave up two runs.

Bradenton starter Antwone Kelly pitched 5.0 innings and allowed two runs on four hits.

Marauders relievers Peyton Stumbo and Magdiel Cotto each pitched 2.0 scoreless innings. Cotto earned his third win.

The Mets (12-17) and Marauders (11-18) play the third game of their series at LECOM Park on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.