The Machiavellian guidance to “hit them where it hurts” was seen in two different forms during Saturday’s duel between Jupiter and St. Lucie at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, with Jacob Lombard at the center of both. After taking a couple of literal blows, the Marlins’ No. 4 prospect delivered a metaphorical one, launching the second home run of his pro career.
Lombard, Miami’s first-round pick in this year’s Draft, made his first appearance at the plate in the second inning. With the count full, he took a 96.6 mph sinker off his left forearm, prompting the trainer to make a visit. While clearly in pain, Lombard took his base and subsequently took revenge, coming around to score the first run of the game.
The very next inning, the 6-foot-3 shortstop dug into the batter’s box again. A pitch inside came close to grazing Lombard, but it was ruled a foul ball.
Lombard carried on with the at-bat, looking for an opportunity to strike. He found just that in the form of a 96 mph fastball, which he sent beyond the right-field fence into the bullpen, sending unsuspecting pitchers scattering. All in all, Lombard was involved in all three of Jupiter’s runs in the Hammerheads’ 3-1 win over the Mets.
COMPLETE MARLINS PROSPECT COVERAGE
Not only did Lombard take one -- arguably two -- for the team, but he also gave Jupiter a victory on the birthday of 'Hammy,' the club's mascot.
Just nine games into his pro career, MLB's No. 67 prospect is still getting into the swing of things. Lombard has struck out in 14 of his first 32 at-bats, but flashed his 65-grade run tool with five stolen bases and has seven RBIs to his credit. He also had one of the most memorable pro debuts in recent history when he launched a home run the same day that his brother George Jr. made his MLB debut for the Yankees, hitting a homer of his own.