8/21/21

Press Release: Big Inning Propels Tarpons Past Mets, 8-4



Kendall hits first pro homer 

TAMPA, Fla. (August 20, 2021) – The Tampa Tarpons scored six runs in the fifth inning to beat the St. Lucie Mets 8-4 on Friday at Steinbrenner Field. 

The Mets overcame an early 2-0 deficit by scoring four runs in the fourth inning. Kevin Kendall hit his first professional home run to start the frame. Later in the inning Warren Saunders belted a two-run double to put the Mets up 3-2. Matt O'Neill lifted a sac fly to make it 4-2. 

The Tarpons sent 10 batters to the plate and scored six runs on five hits against Mets starter Oscar Rojas in the fifth inning. 

Eric Wagaman hit a leadoff home run to cut the Mets lead to 4-3. Madison Santos lined RBI single to right to tie the game 4-4. Tyler Hardman punched a two-run single up the middle to give the Tarpons a 6-4 advantage. 

Benjamin Coles hit run-scoring single to make it 7-4 and Roberto Chirinos capped the inning with a sac fly for an 8-4 Tarpons lead. 

Tampa reliever Blane Abeyta (4-2) did not give up a hit or a run over the final 5.1 innings to get the win. He walked two and struck out eight. 

Mets relievers Austin Faith and Drake Nightengale combined for a 3.1 innings of scoreless, one-hit ball. 

Rojas (4-3) took the loss after surrendering seven hits and eight runs (six earned) in 4.2 innings. 

The Mets (49-42) and Tarpons (62-29) play the fifth game of their series at Steinbrenner Field on Saturday. First pitch has been moved up to 12 p.m. to accommodate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason game later in the evening across the street at Raymond James Stadium.

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