Lawley Powers Mets Past Charlotte 9-4

 

Lawley Powers Mets Past Charlotte 9-4

 

PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA. — Dustin Lawley hit a grand slam in the seventh innning for his league-leading 19th home run of the season to lift the Mets past the Charlotte Stone Crabs 9-4 on Wednesday.

 

After an intentional walk to Jayce Boyd to load the bases in the seventh, Lawley crushed a pitch off of Lenny Linsky over the left field fence to help the Mets pull away and extend their lead to 9-4. Lawley, who also leads the league in extra-base hits and total bases, is now tied for the league-lead with 67 RBIs.

 

Kevin Plawecki had two hits and two RBIs and reached base three times. Matt Reynolds finished with two hits and an RBI and Kyle Johnson had two hits and two runs scored. Boyd had an RBI double and walk.

 

Randy Fontanez earned the victory in relief with 1 2/3 scoreless innings and three strikeouts. Fontanez pitched in relief in the fifth and helped the Mets escape a jam with runners at first and third to protect a 5-4 lead.

 

Tim Byrdak retired the side in order in the seventh with one strikeout. T.J. Chism retired all six batters he faced with two strikeouts to close the game.

 

Hansel Robles received a no-decision and allowed four runs and 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings while issuing one walk and striking out three.

 

The Mets will visit Charlotte for the series finale on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Matt Bowman will make the start for the Mets.

 

Press Release