Hammerheads take care of Flying Tigers on Saturday
In an offensive game, the Jupiter Hammerheads outlast the Lakeland Flying Tigers to win their fourth straight game. The two clubs combined for 20 hits, but Jupiter finished on top 6-3. The Hammerheads' offense jumped out to a hot start and batted around in the bottom of the first inning.
In an offensive game, the Jupiter Hammerheads outlast the Lakeland Flying Tigers to win their fourth straight game. The two clubs combined for 20 hits, but Jupiter finished on top 6-3.
The Hammerheads' offense jumped out to a hot start and batted around in the bottom of the first inning. Jupiter tallied four runs and had the bases loaded twice in the inning. Osiris Johnson was the first to knock in a run after an RBI single scored Cody Morissette. Then, with the bases loaded, Marcus Chiu drove in two more runs with a sharp single to center field. Finally, Javeon Cody drew a walk to score Bennett Hostetler.
Lakeland would respond and score three runs in the second inning. A triple and two singles would close the gap and make it just a one-run game. Following Lakeland’s big inning, the Jupiter pitching staff wouldn’t allow another run Saturday night.
The Hammerheads added some insurance in the seventh inning. Johnson would pick up his second RBI of the game with a sharp single. The former 2nd-round pick would score shortly after due to a Victor Mesa Jr. single and a fielding error from the Flying Tigers.
In the game, 18-year-old Jose Salas picked up his extra-base hit with Jupiter after a 104.3 MPH double.
Johnson, the Marlins No. 27 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline, finished the game 3-4 with two RBIs and two runs. Since rejoining the team on August 17th, the California native is hitting .300 and has driven in four runs.
On the mound, Chris Mokma made his 16th start in 2021. After allowing three runs in the second inning, the righty settled in and didn’t allow another run in 4.2 innings.
Out of the bullpen, the Hammerheads first turned to Josan Mendez, who picked up his second win of the season. The Dominican Republic pitcher allowed just one hit in 2.1 innings pitched.
Then, it was Troy Cruz’s turn on the bump. The 27-year-old struck out the side in the eighth inning. The righty allowed one hit and was credited with a hold.
Finally, it was Joey Steele to close out the game. After consecutive nights with round ninth innings, the Hammerheads shut the door on Saturday night. Steele earned his fourth save of the season and pitched a perfect inning with two strikeouts.
The Jupiter Hammerheads now lead the six-game series 4-1 over the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The two teams will play the final game of the series on Sunday afternoon.
For Saturday’s full box score CLICK HERE
Now that's how you start a game! 👊
— Jupiter Hammerheads (@GoHammerheads) August 21, 2021
The Hammerheads bat around and score 4⃣ runs in the bottom of the first inning! This @marcus_chiu single with the bases loaded drove in 2⃣! #HammerDown pic.twitter.com/128BxDIC94
Update: Jose Salas hits baseballs very hard
— Jupiter Hammerheads (@GoHammerheads) August 22, 2021
The 18-year-old rips a 104.3 MPH double down the line to leadoff the bottom of the seventh inning! #HammerDown pic.twitter.com/mLwaOLymds