St. Lucie Mets Storm Past Daytona in High-Scoring Showdown!

Daytona Beach, Florida - In a thrilling showdown on June 12, 2025, the St. Lucie Mets clashed with the Daytona Tortugas at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, where the Mets emerged victorious with a strong 16-10 win. Both teams showcased their batting prowess, and despite the Tortugas’ best efforts, they couldn’t quite keep pace with their opponents‘ offensive onslaught. According to Milb.com, this game marked the highest number of runs and hits allowed by Daytona this season, setting the stage for an entertaining evening of baseball.

The game kicked off with fireworks as Trey Snyder led off for the Mets with a triple, quickly scoring on a groundout by Colin Houck. St. Lucie swiftly built a 3-0 lead in the first inning, driven by a two-run hit from Trace Wilhoite. But Daytona did not back down. Within moments, they answered back through Sammy Stafura, who ignited a rally with a single, followed by Alfredo Duno’s walk and Carlos Sanchez’s RBI double, pulling the score to 3-2. Later, Bernard Moon added an impressive double that drove in two runs, tying the game at 3-3.

A Back-and-Forth Battle

Daytona continued to seize opportunities, with Ryan McCrystal hitting an RBI single to give the Tortugas a brief lead at 4-3. As the second inning unfolded, Daytona’s pitcher Juan Martinez found himself in a tight spot but managed to escape without further damage thanks to a double play. The Tortugas extended their lead to 6-3 in the third inning, driven by another stellar performance from Moon, who nailed his second double, accompanied by another RBI single from McCrystal.

The Mets weren’t about to roll over, however. They chipped away at the deficit, narrowing the score to 6-5 in the fourth with a pair of runs. Daytona regained their footing briefly, pushing the lead back to 8-5 on another run from Stafura and Moon’s third double of the night. But the seesaw battle continued, as St. Lucie tied the game in the fifth, once again demonstrating their resilience.

Highlight Reel Moments

It was Simon Juan’s exhilarating three-run homer in the sixth inning that tipped the scales, giving St. Lucie an 11-8 edge. Both teams exchanged runs in the seventh and eighth innings, further elevating the tension in the stands. Ultimately, St. Lucie capped off their successful night with three additional runs in the ninth, including a two-run single from Daiverson Gutierrez. As the final frame concluded, Daytona went down without a fight, unable to break through the Mets‘ solid defense.

Looking ahead, Daytona fans can mark their calendars for the next game against St. Lucie, scheduled for Thursday night. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with first pitch at 6:35 p.m. The upcoming matchup will surely be an opportunity for the Tortugas to redeem themselves and show fans the tenacity they are known for.

A Bit of History

As a bit of background, the Daytona Tortugas are not just a local team; they hold a place in the hearts of many baseball fans. Located in Daytona Beach and affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds, this minor league team has enjoyed a rich history since its inception. Formerly known as the Daytona Cubs, they rebranded in 2015, adopting a name that reflects the local environment – Tortugas meaning „turtles“ in Spanish. The team plays its home games at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, a venue that has stood since 1914 and hosts over 4,200 fans.

The Tortugas have claimed six Florida State League championships and continue to develop players who often move on to Major League Baseball, including stars like Kris Bryant and Javier Báez. As they gear up for the rest of the season, fans can look forward to thrilling games and memorable moments, underscoring the team’s commitment to the sport and its community. For more on the team’s history, you can check out their page on Wikipedia.