St. Lucie sweeps Daytona in Sunday doubleheader

Parks twirls four shutout innings in game one; Callahan records first hit in game two

RHP Hunter Parks struck out five over four shutout innings in a no-decision during game one. The Mets scored two in the fifth to take the opener, 2-0, and used a four-run first to snare the nightcap, 5-1, as St. Lucie swept the twinbill from the Daytona Tortugas on Sunday afternoon at Clover Park. (Ryan Dowd)

By Justin Rocke

June 5, 2022

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — After Mother Nature washed away the last two contests, St. Lucie hung the clouds over Daytona's parade throughout the doubleheader. The Mets used a two-run fifth to capture game one, 2-0, and a four-run first to snag the nightcap, 5-1, as St. Lucie swept the

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — After Mother Nature washed away the last two contests, St. Lucie hung the clouds over Daytona's parade throughout the doubleheader. The Mets used a two-run fifth to capture game one, 2-0, and a four-run first to snag the nightcap, 5-1, as St. Lucie swept the twinbill from the Tortugas on Sunday afternoon at Clover Park.

Scoreless through four and a half in the opener, St. Lucie (34-16) put the leadoff man aboard in the fifth, as 2B Justin Guerrera (1-1) was plunked with the first pitch of the inning. After 1B Raúl Beracierta (1-2, R) singled to left, C Brady Smith (0-1, R, BB, SO) earned a walk to load the bases with nobody out.

SS Kevin Villavicencio (1-2, 2B) followed by slapping a soft ground ball to third. Daytona made the play home to get the force out on the lead runner, but the toss to first for a potential double-play sailed up the right-field line. Two runs scored on the throwing error to put the Mets in front, 2-0.

Daytona (19-31), who failed to collect a hit through the first five innings, had their best chance to score in the sixth. SS Ilvin Fernández (1-2, 2B) snapped the no-hit bid with a double to right and advanced to third on a ground out. However, back-to-back strikeouts kept the Tortugas off the scoreboard.

Neither starter received a decision in the opener. RHP Hunter Parks (4.0 IP, 2 H, 5 SO) was outstanding through four scoreless innings for Daytona. St. Lucie's RHP Calvin Ziegler (2.0 IP, BB, 3 SO) did not allow a hit over two spotless frames in his first start since being activated off the injured list on Saturday.

RHP Christian Scott (4.0 IP, H, BB, 7 SO) struck out a career-high seven over four innings of shutout relief to earn the first win of his professional career for the Mets.

Tortugas RHP Reynardo Cruz (2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, ER, BB) was saddled with one earned run over two innings out of the bullpen, suffering his third defeat.

In game two, Daytona squirted out to an early lead. CF Jay Allen II (0-2, R, BB, SO) collected a one-out walk and proceeded to swipe second base with two out. After advancing to third when 1B Jack Rogers (1-3, SO) reached on a fielding error, a pitch to RF Ashton Creal (0-3, SO) scooted to the backstop. Allen scored standing up from third base to grant the Tortugas a 1-0 lead.

The lead did not last, as St. Lucie countered with a crooked number in their half of the first. With the bases full on three-straight one-out walks, CF Stanley Consuegra (0-4, R, SO) hit a bouncer to short that was booted. Everyone was safe from the mishap, allowing the Mets to knot the game at one. St. Lucie grabbed a 2-1 advantage when 2B Junior Tilien (1-1, R, 2B, RBI, 2 BB) collected a bases-loaded walk.

Following a pitching change, the Mets stretched their lead out further. On the first pitch thrown, 1B Jack-Thomas Wold (1-2, 2 RBI, BB, SO) pummeled a line drive into left for a knock. Two runs scored on the single to extend St. Lucie's cushion to three, 4-1.

The Mets added one last run in the fifth when Tilien doubled, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a fielder's choice off the bat of DH Vincent Perozo (0-3, RBI).

LHP Javier Atencio (5.0 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BB, 5 SO) yielded one unearned tally over a season-high five innings, earning his first win of the campaign for St. Lucie.

Daytona's RHP Julian Aguiar (0.2 IP, 4 R, ER, 4 BB, SO) was unable to escape the first inning but was only charged with one earned run, taking his fifth loss.

Following Monday's league-wide off day, the Tortugas will return to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday, June 7, to open up a series against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Florida State League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. It will be a Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Radiology Associates Imaging. The Tortugas will don unique pink-clad uniforms that will be auctioned off at the end of the season with all proceeds to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. It is also a Silver Sluggers Night by Conviva, featuring special team store and concession stand deals for members, plus more. The series opener features Taco Tuesday with options at the concession stands starting at just $3.

Neither team has announced probable starters for Tuesday's series opener. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:50 p.m. leading up to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch from Jackie Robinson Ballpark

Season tickets, multi-game plans, group packages, and single-game tickets are currently available and can be purchased online at

www.daytonatortugas.com or by calling the Tortugas’ Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS
The Daytona Tortugas are the Single-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.