Mets defeat Tortugas 4-2 in game 1 of FSL East Divisional Series

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 10, 2025) – The St. Lucie Mets defeated the Daytona Tortugas 4-2 in game 1 of the Florida State League East Divisional Series on Wednesday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. They can close out the best-of-three series with a win in game 2 on Thursday at Clover Park.

The Mets jumped out to an early leading, scoring all their runs in the first four innings. The pitching trio of Jose Chirinos, Elwis Mijares and Tyler McLoughlin was stellar throughout the night.

Chirinos fired 5.0 scoreless innings to get the win. He gave up just two singles, walked three and struck out four. Chirinos benefited from excellent defense, particularly when center fielder Trey Snyder made a sliding catch near the warning track to snuff out a rally and end the fifth inning.

The Mets scored in the first inning when Snyder reached on a throwing error by shortstop Tyson Lewis. Snyder advanced to second on the error and stole third base. Antonio Jimenez laced RBI single to plate Snyder for a 1-0 lead.

The Mets struck again in the second when Mitch Voit hit a sac fly off Ovis Portes with the bases loaded for a 2-0 lead.

The turning point in the game came in the fourth inning. Simon Juan led off with a single and Jeremy Rodriguez followed with a double to set the Mets up with runners at second and third. Tortugas pitcher Stephen Quigly fought back with two consecutive strikeouts. Then Jimenez hit a hard ground ball to Lewis at short and Lewis lost the handle on the ball for his second error. Juan and Rodriguez both scored to make it 4-0.

The Tortugas got runs back in the sixth and seventh innings by cashing in on leadoff errors. Duno hit a sharp grounder through the legs of Rodriguez to begin the seventh. He scored on a double play ball induced by Mijares off the bat of Arnaldo Lantigua to make it 4-1.

Jimenez made a throwing error to start the bottom of the seventh. Alfredo Lantigua hit a one-out RBI single to make it a 4-2 game. Voit and Jimenez later teamed up for a nifty inning-ending 4-6-3 double play hit into by the speedy Kyle Henley to end the inning.

Mijares was charged with two unearned runs over 2.0 innings. He gave up one hit and did not walk or strikeout a batter.

McLoughlin allowed leadoff single in the eighth inning but then retired three in a row, including striking out Lewis and Lantigua to strand Kien Vu at third base.

McLoughlin struck out the first two Tortugas of the ninth inning then battled back from a 3-0 count to get Jacob Friend to line out to AJ Salgado in left field to end the game.

Juan led the Mets at the plate by going 2 for 4. Jimenez was 1 for 3 with a single, two walks and a RBI.

The Mets have won five consecutive playoff games dating back to 2022. They improved to 21-10 this season against Daytona, including 11-5 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

The series now shifts to Port St. Lucie. Game 2 will be at Clover Park on Thursday at 6:10 p.m. Fans can enjoy $2 select beer, hot dogs, soda and popcorn. All first responders receive free admission. Tickets are available online at stluciemets.com and in person at the box office on Thursday afternoon.