St. Lucie Mets thrash Threshers, 14-4

 

Saunders drives in 4, has 8 RBI in series

CLEARWATER, Fla. (July 2, 2021) – St. Lucie Mets dominated the Clearwater Threshers 14-4 on Friday night at BayCare Ballpark. 

The Mets scored four runs in the third inning, six runs in the fourth inning and three runs in the fifth inning. Cole Kleszcz bashed a home run in the eighth inning. 

Jose Peroza went 3 for 5 and drove in three runs. Warren Saunders was 2 for 5 with a pair of two-run singles. His four RBI night gave him eight RBI in the series. 

The Mets knocked out Phillies' No. 1 prospect Mick Abel early. Abel coasted through two perfect innings but the Mets roughed him up in the third. Jaylen Palmer hit a game-tying sac fly, Nic Gaddis hit a RBI single to give the Mets a 2-1 lead, then later in the inning Saunders belted a two-run single that put the Mets up 4-1 and chased Abel from the game. 

The Mets scored six more in the fourth inning to take a 10-3 lead. Peroza and Saunders hit two-run singles. 

Eleven of the 12 hits for the Mets were singles. Kleszcz's home run in the eighth was the only extra base hit. The Mets also drew six walks. The Mets went 8 for 15 with runners in scoring position. 

Mets starter Franklin Parra (3-0) allowed three runs (two earned) over five innings to get the win. Brailin Gonzalez, Sammy Tavarez, Austin Faith and Luis Montas each pitched one inning of relief.

The Mets (28-24) and Threshers (27-25) play the fifth game of their series at BayCare Ballpark on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.