Photo by James Farrance Photography
After their road trip didn’t go according to plan, the Syracuse Mets (10-7) returned home for a three games series against Pawtucket. Safe to say, Syracuse prefers to play at home as the Mets earned their first series sweep on the year. Syracuse was able to get out in front in each game by scoring their first runs in the first inning. A drastic change from the majority of the games they have played were they have played from behind in over half the games played.
Due to poor weather on April 19, the Mets and Pawtucket played a doubleheader. As a result, both games were scheduled for seven innings.
Game one of the doubleheader saw Zach Lee (1-0) pitch 5 1/3 innings, give up four hits, one earned run and striking out four. Tyler Bashlor finished off the remaining 1 1/2 innings to earn his first save on the year. Lee displayed good control throughout his performance throwing 90 pitches with 61 going for strikes.
Carlos Gomez started the game with a double and was scored by Adeiny Hechavarria on a fielder’s choice. Gomez finished the evening with two hits. Syracuse scored their second and third runs via the long ball. Travis Taijeron hit his fifth home run in the fourth inning. Danny Espinosa hit his first home run in the sixth inning. Espinosa’s home run ended up being a much needed run as Pawtucket nearly came back in the sixth and seventh innings, but came up just short.
For game two Syracuse needed only one pitcher to lead them to victory. Corey Oswalt (2-0) pitched all seven innings giving up seven hits, two earned runs and striking out seven. While the game was not a traditional nine inning game the complete game performance was much needed to save the Mets bullpen. Oswalt didn’t perform exceptionally well when called up to the New York Mets earlier this season, but continues to show potential in Triple A.
Syracuse got their offense going early again in game two. Adeiny Hechavarria drove in three runs on evening, including a single in the first inning to score Gregor Blanco. Blanco scored three times on the evening along with a stolen base. Todd Frazier, who was on rehab, made his Syracuse debut and delivered a two hit night, including a double, and driving in a run.
The final game of the series was the only nine inning contest to take place with Pawtucket. Casey Coleman (0-1) got a no decision after completing four innings. Coleman had just been activated from the injured list. Eric Hanhold (1-1) earned the win after pitching two scoreless innings. Tim Peterson and Ryan O’Rourke finished off two innings combined. Arquimedes Caminero a pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his fourth save on the year.
Syracuse struck again in the first inning by capitalizing on walks. The Mets scored two runs in the first inning via two sacrifice flies by Carlos Gomez and Travis Taijeron. Gregor Blanco finished the evening with two hits and two runs scored. Todd Frazier, making his final Syracuse Mets appearance, finished hitless in two at bats. Adeiny Hechavarria hit got two hits in three at bats.
Notable Player Performances For Series:
Zach Lee: W, 5.1, 4H, 1ER, 4K
Corey Oswalt: CG, W, 7H, 2ER, 6K
Adeiny Hechavarria: 5-for-7, 5 RBI,
Gregor Blanco: 3-for-6, 5R
The series sweep brings the Mets (10-7) to second place in the IL North Division, currently behind Lehigh Valley.
Syracuse continues their home stand with a four game series with the Buffalo Bisons (4-9) starting on April 22 and finishing April 25th. This could likely be the final series for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be playing in Triple A before being brought up to the Toronto Blue Jays.
