On Friday, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (16-12) made it two wins in a row at NBT Bank Stadium against the Syracuse Mets (9-18). Before the game, the Phillies’ called up shortstop Bryson Stott. Stott was hitting .333 | 2HR | 7 RBI | .986 OPS.
Bailey Falter (0-1, 4.91 ERA) was on the mound for Lehigh Valley, while the Mets started Felix Pena (0-3, 8.00 ERA).
It was a pitcher’s duel in the first two innings before action peaked in the bottom of the third inning. IronPigs’ shortstop Nick Maton was up at-bat with a runner on second base. He doubled on a line drive over the glove of Mets’ first baseman Daniel Palka and into right field, scoring a run that put Lehigh Valley up 1-0.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, the IronPigs’ made a pitching change with Mark Appel for Bailey Falter. Falter finished the game pitching three innings, allowing two hits, no runs, no walks, and five strikeouts.
Moving ahead to the top of the fifth inning, the IronPigs had a runner on second base with two outs for second baseman Drew Maggi. He singled on a line drive to center field, scoring a run for a 2-0 lead.
The IronPigs added more runs at the top of the sixth inning. IronPigs’ third baseman Will Toffey was up at-bat with runners on first and second base. He singled on a ground ball past a diving Mets’ third baseman Cody Bohanek and into left field, scoring another run, extending the IronPigs lead 3-0.
Two batters later, the IronPigs busted the game open. IronPigs’ catcher Austin Wynns hit a two-run RBI single to center field, making it 5-0 IronPigs.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, the IronPigs changed pitchers with Aaron Barrett in for Mark Appel. Appel was excellent, shutting down the Mets’ batters, going three innings, no hits, no runs, no walks, and four strikeouts.
However, the Mets found a way to get back into the game. Mets’ first baseman Daniel Palka was up at-bat with one out. He hit a solo home run out to right field, cutting the IronPigs lead 5-1. Then, Mets’ catcher Nick Meyer hit a solo home run, hitting the 315-bullpen roof at left field, making it a three-run game, 5-2.
At the top of the eighth inning, the IronPigs got one of those runs back. First, IronPigs’ right fielder John Andreoli reached second base after he smashed the ball towards Mets’ left fielder, Carlos Cortes, who could not catch the ball with two outs. Then, IronPigs’ catcher Austin Wynns was up at-bat with a runner on second base. He singled on a ground ball to right field, scoring Andreoli for a 6-2 lead.
The IronPigs put the game away in the bottom of the ninth inning. IronPigs’ closer Nick Duron made quick work to get the last three outs, and the IronPigs won their second straight game 6-2. With the win, the IronPigs are tied for first place with the Buffalo Bisons. The IronPigs are now 7-3 in their last ten games.
The win went to IronPigs’ relief pitcher Mark Appel, while the loss went to Mets’ starter Felix Pena (4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 2 SO).
Game five of six is tonight at 6:35 pm. Tickets for the game can be purchased thanks to our friends at StubHub.
