Photo: The Edwardsville Intelligencer
All was alive and well on St. Patty’s Day in Pt. St. Lucie.
A sellout crowd turned out in force mostly wearing green hats, shirts and sweatshirts to see a very good pitching matchup between the Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright and Steven Matz of the Mets. The players even donned green hats with small shamrocks on the side. The feel in the air was festive to say the least.
On the field, the Amazin’s did their best to add to the party atmosphere by exploding out of the gate for 10 runs in the first two innings going on to an easy 16-2 victory. Matz looked in mid-season form with a 94mph fastball and total control of his off-speed pitches. On the other hand, Wainwright was in for an early shower.
The offensive output was more like a 4th of July fireworks display led by Wilmer Flores, who has somewhat struggled this spring, but who hit a grand slam blast through the wind to left and finished the day with 6 RBI’s. Jay Bruce and Travis d’Arnaud each had a couple of RBI’s while Michael Conforto and Asdrubal Cabrera contributed with 2 hits each.
Zack Wheeler delivered great news to all on Thursday with his best outing in almost two years. So good one could almost raise the question, “is he back?” Wheeler was in total control of all his pitches especially his 97mph fastball. His performance brings plenty of optimism.
Unfortunately, Matt Harvey continues to struggle with his confidence and control which are the two key ingredients to the success for any pitcher.
We knew it was going to be big day for Section 108 when we were blessed to have the “Kings of the Bagel and Deli Business” make their guest appearances, Joe from PSL Bagel Brothers and Nick from Uncle Nick’s. Man, they can talk business but let me tell you these guys make me feel like I am back home in the NY/NJ area. Joe is originally from Long Island while Nick’s a Jersey guy. They make the best bagels and hero sandwiches in all of Florida, as good as any up north. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Lastly, there is no St. Patty’s Day parade here but the bars and restaurants on 2nd Ave. in Ft. Pierce and Shindig’s and Duffy’s in Port St Lucie do a great job in 70 degree temps to keep up the tradition.
