As the big league club was putting the finishing touches on the sweep of the Nationals neither of the Mets two affiliates left playing were having the same success as they both dropped game one of their playoff series.
Reading 9, Binghamton 4 Game One (Best of 5)
The B’Mets found themselves in a big whole to start after Tyler Pill allowed four runs in the top of the first inning to the Fightin Phils. Vince Belnome (1-4) hit a solo homerun in the bottom of the second inning to put Binghamton down 4-1 and the closest they would be all night. Pill was a perfect 6-0 in the regular season but got crushed last night giving up seven runs on thirteen hits in 5 innings.
Eastern League Player of the Year Brock Stassi opened the game up in the 5th inning with a three-run blast making it 7-1. Phillies top prospect J.P. Crawford reached base five times going 3-4 with two walks with three runs scored. Nick Williams (#3 prospect who came over in Cole Hamels deal) was 2-6 out of leadoff spot.
Center fielder Joe Benson was the only B’Met to record multiple hits going 2-4 with a RBI and a run scored. Amed Rosario went 1-4 with a RBI single while playing shortstop and batting 8th. L.J. Mazzilli was 0-3 with two walks and a run scored out of the leadoff spot.
T.J. Rivera was 1-4 with a run scored as he played third base. Josh Rodriguez was 1-4 with a RBI and played left field as Pedro Lopez went with his best offensive lineup. Jeff McNeil didn’t get the start though he singled as a pinch hitter in the 6th inning. Recently promoted Victor Cruzado came off the bench as well striking out in his pinch hitting appearance.
Beck Wheeler struggled in his inning of relief allowing two hits and two walks that resulted in two runs for Reading. Adam Kolarek pitched a scoreless 7th inning with one strikeout. Josh Smoker struggled to end the regular season but pitched a scoreless inning in his first playoff appearance allowing just a walk. Akeel Morris loaded the bases in the 9th inning before getting a fly out to escape unscathed. Box Score
Binghamton will play again tonight at 6:35 PM at home with Robert Gsellman (7-7, 3.51) making the start. He will be opposed by the Phillies #2 prospect (also part of Hamels deal) righty Jake Thompson who was 5-1 with 1.80 ERA in seven starts for Reading.
Asheville 5, Savannah 1 Game One (Best of 3)
The Sand Gnats offense was stifled by Rockies prospect Jesus Tinoco who came to the organization in the Troy Tulowitzki trade in July. He allowed one run and struck out six in his 7.2 innings of work. Savannah starter Martires Arias did not fare as well going 5.1 innings giving up five runs on six hits (2 HR’s) while walking one and striking out five.
Savannah trailed 3-0 going into the top of the 6th inning when Eudor Garcia (2-4) got them on the board with a RBI double that scored South Atlantic League MVP Luis Guillorme who was also 2-4 on the night. Wuilmer Becerra was 1-4 with three strikeouts. Outfielders John Mora (1-4) and Patrick Biondi (1-3) picked up the other Sand Gnats hits. ‘
Relievers Ben Griset (0.2 innings), Tim Peterson (1.1 IP, 2 K’s) and Paul Paez (0.2 IP, K) combined to throw 2.2 scoreless to ssilence the Tourists bats. Box Score
Savannah will resume their series tomorrow in what could be the final game ever at Grayson Stadium at 7:05 PM with Ricky Knapp (8-3, 2.60) on the hill.
