Trenton 3, Binghamton 0
The Binghamton Mets were shut out by the Trenton Thunder, 3-0 in game three of the Eastern Division Championship Series on Friday night at NYSEG Stadium. They were swept in the series by the Thunder, and were eliminated from the postseason.
After four scoreless innings to start the game, Trenton scored against Logan Verrett in the top of the fifth inning. After retiring the first two batters, Verrett gave up a double to Ali Castillo down the left field line. After a walk, Zoilo Almonte slapped an RBI single into left field which brought Castillo to the plate. The throw from Travis Taijeron in left field was just late, and it allowed the runners to move to second and third. Jose Pirela followed by hitting a ground ball to Wilfredo Tovar deep in the hole at shortstop. His throw brought Rhyne Hughes off of first base, and the Thunder took a 2-0 lead.
The final run of the game scored in the top of the seventh. Verrett started the inning and allowed a double and an infield single before being relieved by Jim Fuller. Fuller inherited a first-and-third situation, and got a double-play ball from Ramon Flores in his first at bat. The twin-killing scored Reegie Corona, and gave the Thunder a 3-0 lead.
For the third consecutive night, Binghamton could not cash in on scoring opportunities. They stranded 15 men on base, and left 36 on base in the three-game series. In each of the final four innings, Binghamton had tying run on base or brought them to the plate. Twice they had the bases loaded, but could not score.
Shane Greene (1-0) picked up the victory after throwing 5.2 innings of shutout baseball. Verrett (0-1) was tagged with the loss and allowed three runs in six innings. Four bullpen members threw the final 3.1 innings to slam the door and put Trenton in the Eastern League Championship Series.
POSTGAME NOTES: Pedro Lopez, Wilfredo Tovar, and Danny Muno were each ejected in the seventh inning…Binghamton was not swept once in the regular season
Key Stats
Daniel Muno: 2-for-3, 1 BB
Josh Rodriguez: 2-for-5
Rhyne Hughes: 3-for-5, 1 2B
Logan Verrett: 6.0 IP, 8 H, 1 BB, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 K
Frank Francisco: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K
(Team Report)