The St. Lucie Mets could not break through offensively Friday night, falling 1-0 to the Tampa Tarpons in a sharp pitching matchup at Clover Park. The game drew 3,797 fans and featured strong pitching from both clubs, but one second-inning run was enough for Tampa. The loss marked the eighth straight for St. Lucie, while Tampa extended its winning streak to seven games.
Tarpons starter Henry Lalane controlled the game for seven innings, striking out 11 Mets batters while allowing just three hits and no walks. Lalane continued a dominant stretch after striking out 12 batters over seven innings in his previous start against Dunedin, a performance that earned him Florida State League Pitcher of the Week honors.
St. Lucie answered with a strong bullpen-game effort of its own. Starter Christian Rodriguez worked a season-high 3.2 innings and struck out seven. He allowed the game's only run in the second inning after Brando Mayea opened the frame with a double and Engelth Urena followed with a one-out RBI single.
After Rodriguez exited, the Mets' bullpen kept the game within reach. Tyler McLoughlin retired all seven batters he faced across 2.1 perfect innings, striking out five. Kevin Herget, pitching on a MiLB rehab assignment, added two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Ernesto Mercedes then worked a clean ninth inning, striking out two batters on just eight pitches.
Altogether, four Mets pitchers combined for 16 strikeouts and did not issue a walk.
The Mets had their best chance in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases with two outs against Jose Ledesma. Tampa brought in Matthew Tippie for the final out, and he ended the threat by getting Branny De Oleo to ground back to the mound.
Trey Snyder led St. Lucie at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double.
The Mets fell to 2-9 in the second half and 35-42 overall. Tampa improved to 10-3 in the second half and 45-34 overall.
The teams continue their series Saturday at Clover Park with a special 2:50 p.m. start for the 250 Tailgate Party. Fans can get $5 tickets, with $2.50 select beer, hot dogs, fountain soda and popcorn available during the promotion.