Chris Flexen (1-0) started the first of three series against the Rochester Red Wings on April 8 earning a quality start with six innings pitched and only allowing two earned runs while striking out eight. Eric Hanhold tossed a scoreless two innings, which ended up being crucial as Jacob Rhame allowed two runs in the ninth inning, but the Mets held on to win the game 5-4.

Syracuse entered the ninth inning with a 5-2 lead thanks to the offensive performance of right fielder Rymer Liriano. Liriano went 3-for-4 with two runs scored hitting fifth in the order. Designated hitter Dillson Herrera continued to have a hot bat collecting two hits, including his third double on the year, and driving in two runs.

Third baseman David Thompson connected on a two-run double in the fourth inning to give the Mets a 4-2 lead. Center fielder Carlos Gomez got some positive results with his bat collecting two hits from the leadoff spot.

Mets used their speed on the base paths to steal three bases on five attempts. Herrera, Rajai Davis and Liriano were successful attempts. Herrera was caught stealing and Gomez failed to steal second in his lone attempt on evening.

Notable April 8 Performances

CF: Carlos Gomez: 2 for 3, including his first extra base hit of the season (double)
RF: Rymer Liriano: 3 for 4, SB
DH: Dilson Herrera: 2 for 3, third double of the season, 2 RBI,  SB
3B: David Thompson: 1 for 2, 2 RBI, leads team with seven runs batted in.
SP: Chris Flexen: 6 IP, W, 2 ER, BB, 8 K

April 9th turned into a slugfest between the Mets and Red Wings with the Mets prevailing in a thrilling 7-5 victory after falling behind 5-1 in by the third inning. The Mets bats stormed back in the bottom of the third inning to score six runs, which ended up being the last time either team scored for the remainder of the game.

Zach Lee was bailed out on a rough outing in which he lasted only 2 2/3 innings, gave up ten hits and five earned runs. Lee was able to strikeout four in the brief outing. Corey Taylor (1-0) earned his first victory in relief by pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings and only giving up two hits. Paul Sewald also tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief. Daniel Zamora earned his first save of the year by finishing off the finals 2/3 of the final inning.

The bottom of the third inning was the best offensive inning for the Mets thus far in the 2019 season. Carlos Gomez reached on an error by third baseman Randy Cesar of the Red Wings, Adeiny Hechavarria was hit by a pitch after Gregor Blanco struck out. Travis Taijeron was walked on five pitches. Liriano scored Gomez on a sac fly for the second out.

The following five runs all scored with two outs in the inning. Herrera continues to swing an incredibly hot bat. Herrera hit a single up the middle driving in Hechavarria. Tim Tebow drove in Taijeron and Herrera on a single down the left field line. Tomas Nido, making his Syracuse debut after being sent down by the New York Mets, delivered a double to right field and Tebow scored for the final run in the game.

Notable April 9 Performances

2B: Dilson Herrera: 1 for 4, R
LF: Tim Tebow: 1 for 4, R, 2 RBI
C: Tomas Nido: 2 for 3, R, RBI
RP’s: Corey Taylor & Paul Sewald (combined): 5 2/3, 4 H, 0 R, 4 K

Syracuse dropped game three to the Rochester Red Wings, 8-2. However, the game wasn’t completely one-sided until the final inning.

Hector Santiago (0-1) got saddled with his first loss of the season. After giving up a two-run home run in the first inning, Santiago retired thirteen straight hitters. Red Wings hitters didn’t get another hit until the sixth inning. Santiago got hit with a liner on his left leg and was taken out of the game. Santiago pitched five innings, giving up four hits, three earned runs and struck out seven.

Ryan O’Rourke, who struggled in his previous outings, entered the game in relief of Santiago. Early in the appearance. O’Rourke threw two wild pitches leading to the Red Wings scoring a run to breakup a 2-2 tie in the 6th inning. The run was credited to Santiago. O’Rourke pitched three scoreless innings and gave up only two hits while striking out one. O’Rourke’s pitches looked to have good movement on them compared to previous outings.

Heading into the ninth inning, the game was still 3-2 in favor of the Red Wings. Jacob Rhame struggled leading to five runs (four earned) on three hits in one inning pitched. The deficit was too severe for the Mets to comeback. The loss ends the Mets five game winning streak.

Offensively, the Mets had a few opportunities to take the lead against the Red Wings, but failed to do so. After falling behind 2-0 in the first, the Mets quickly stormed back in the bottom half. They were able to get the bases loaded, but were only able to score one run when Liriano drew a walk to score Espinosa. The inning came to an end when Tim Tebow struck out with the bases loaded. Tebow was thrown only fastballs and couldn’t catchup to collect a hit.

Rene Rivera showed off some power in the bottom of the second inning by hitting a double to left field to score David Thompson from first base. The outfield was playing shallow and Rivera took advantage driving the ball to the warning track. That was the final time the Mets would score. In the eight inning, Rymer Liriano got caught stealing second and effectively ending the Mets chances to tie the game. Mets hitters stranded sixteen runners on base.

Dilson Herrera, who had been hitting nearly everything in sight recently, went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts. Tim Tebow also went hitless in four plate appearances.

Notable April 10 Performances

SP: Hector Santiago: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 7 K, retired 13 straight hitters
RP: Ryan O’Rourke: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, K, 2 WP
LF: Rymer Liriano: 1 for 2, RBI, 2 BB, CS

Syracuse concludes their opening home stand with a record of 5-2. They begin their first road trip tomorrow, April 11, in Pawtucket for a four game series. The Mets will then travel to Rochester for a three game series starting on April 15.

Notable Players Performances Thus Far: Season Totals (through first seven games)
SP: Chris Flexen: GS, W, 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 8 K
SP: Drew Gagnon: GS, 5 1/3 IP, 3 H, 5 K
SP: Hector Santiago: 2 GS, L, 10 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 10 K
RP: Eric Hanhold: 2 G, 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 K
RP: Paul Sewald: 3 G, 4 1/3 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 K
RP: Corey Taylor: 2 G, 6 1/3 IP, 4 H, ER, 4 K
C: Tomas Nido: 2 for 3, RBI
SS: Adeiny Hechavarria: .316, 5R, RBI, 3 BB
2B: Dilson Herrera: .421, 6 R, HR, 6 RBI, SB
3B: David Thompson: .250, 7 RBI (leads team)

Syracuse (5-2) currently sits at first place in the IL North Division. Leigh Valley IronPigs are 1/2 game behind.