In a thrilling turn of events during a Florida State League game, the St. Lucie Mets and Bradenton Marauders found themselves facing an unexpected opponent - a turtle. The incident took place on Saturday night at LECOM Park, leaving both teams temporarily halted in their tracks.

As the second inning got underway, the St. Lucie Mets held a 2-0 lead over the Bradenton Marauders. However, the game came to a standstill when a curious visitor made its way onto the outfield grass. Initially mistaken for a squirrel or a rodent by the broadcasters, it was later determined that the interloper was, in fact, a turtle.

Undeterred by the trio of outfielders attempting to chase it away, the turtle displayed an impressive burst of speed, perplexing the players. Eventually, it sought refuge in a comfortable spot on the field. Seizing the opportunity, the Marauders, recognizing their numerical advantage, urged the turtle to move towards the bullpen, all the while maintaining a safe distance.

Left-handed reliever Magdiel Cotto emerged as the hero of the situation, taking matters into his own hands - quite literally. Cotto bravely scooped up the reptile and held it above his head, displaying an act of true sportsmanship. With gentle guidance, he led the turtle through the bullpen door.

After this unexpected delay, the game resumed without further interruptions, with the Marauders now boasting an additional arm - well, four legs, to be precise - in the bullpen. However, the team understands the importance of focusing on the Florida State League season, where they currently trail behind the leading Daytona Tortugas. Perhaps, unintentionally, they have discovered a new scout, as the turtle demonstrated an interest in the game.

Overall, despite the amusing interruption, the St. Lucie Mets and Bradenton Marauders showcased their ability to adapt and handle unexpected situations in the game they love. The encounter with the turtle will surely go down in baseball lore, serving as a memorable event during this Florida State League season.