Syracuse Mets clinch first place over Rochester in tight contest
Syracuse Mets (61-54, 30-10) continued their six-game series with the Rochester Red Wings (43-69, 16-24) on Wednesday afternoon, in a pitchers duel at Innovative Field.
In the second half standings of the International League, the Mets have been dominating, boasting a record of 31-14 (.689 winning percentage). This strong performance has secured them a leading position in the league, with a game advantage and a significant difference in runs scored and allowed (244:187).
The first pitch for the second game was scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Jared Young kicked off the scoring in the top of the second inning with a solo home run, giving Syracuse a 1-0 lead.
Adrian Sampson pitched six innings for Rochester, allowing one hit, one run, three walks, and four strikeouts. Huascar Brazobán followed with a scoreless sixth and seventh inning for the Mets.
The score remained 1-1 until the later part of the game, when the Mets managed to score the winning run. The Mets' bullpen, led by Dom Hamel's two scoreless innings and four strikeouts, held off Rochester's comeback attempts. Chris Devenski earned his fourth save of the season for Syracuse, securing the 2-1 victory for the Mets.
The win moved Syracuse back into sole possession of first place in the International League second half standings. The Mets became the first team to reach 30 wins in the second half of the season.
In the overall International League East standings for the full season, the Syracuse Mets are currently 62-60 (.508 winning percentage). The Mets sit in first place with a one-game lead over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
Paul Blackburn is slated to start on the mound for the Mets in the second game of the series. The series will continue, with Syracuse looking to extend their winning streak against the Red Wings.
