Michael Pérez. John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

After a rainout fiasco, followed by a subsequently suspended game in Washington D.C. on Saturday, the New York Mets (19-21) and Washington Nationals resumed their game early Sunday afternoon. In the first game of the doubleheader at National Park which began at 12:35 pm ET, the Mets were unable to successfully mount any of their numerous comeback attempts losing the game 3-2. New York will hope to avoid back-to-back doubleheader sweeps later this afternoon.

Before the suspension, the Nationals and Mets got in 2 1/3 innings. Over that time, the Nationals cashed in one run while leaving three men on base. This included a double play that got original Mets’ starter Joey Lucchesi out of the inning courtesy of Dominic Smith.

Meanwhile, before the suspension, the Mets were able to get a man on second and third base via a Daniel Vogelbach single and Michael Pérez double. In the first at-bat after the suspension concluded on Sunday, Brandon Nimmo hit a ball to deep right field which resulted in a sacrifice fly, immediately tying the game at one.

The Nationals responded back in the fourth inning. After the Mets’ bats left the bases loaded in the top-half of the inning, Stephen Nogosek – New York’s first pitcher of the day – walked, hit, and then allowed a single all with two outs. This put Washington back up 2-1.

The Mets finally knotted the game back up in the seventh inning. Brandon Nimmo lined a double down the line which pushed Pérez – who tallied his third hit of the game – all the way to third base. Jeff McNeil hit a sacrifice fly to center field and New York tied the game back up at two.

Just moments after New York tied the game, Mets’ relief pitcher Dominic Leone served up a solo home run to CJ Abrams to propel the Nationals back to the lead. After seven innings, New York trailed, once again, 3-2.

The score would hold 3-2 and New York dropped Game 1. The Mets left nine men on base and just were not able to come back from several different one-run deficits. The latest was a two-out ally in the ninth inning that was halted after New York had two men on base and McNeil lined out to left-center field via a 98 mph laser that had an expected batting average of .420.

Another aspect worth mentioning is Buck Showalter once again opted for using a plethora of fringe major-league relievers in an uber-conservative bullpen approach during a tied ballgame. Showalter has opted to go this route numerous times this season, many incidents of which came back to bite. It was certainly not the reason why New York lost in this one, but played a role in the overall story of the game.

Player of the Game: Michael Pérez

What a first game back in the majors it was for veteran Michael Pérez. The backup catcher went 4-for-4 with one run. All of which is all a bit ironic given his minor league slash line of .153/.261/.254 (.515 OPS) this season for Triple-A Syracuse. Always nice to see contributions from the most unlikely sources.

On Deck

It is a very quick turnaround for these Nationals and Mets. Game 2 of the split-admission doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 4:35 pm ET on Sunday. The probable pitching matchup for that game is Max Scherzer (5.56 ERA) versus Jake Irvin (0.84 ERA).

The post Mets’ Two-Out Rally Comes Up Short, Drop Game 1 Against Nationals appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Francisco Alvarez – Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

Syracuse (38-40) 6, Pawtucket (31-45) 3 BOX SCORE

• 2B Luis Guillorme: 2-4, HR, 3 RBI (.305/.417/.402)
• 3B Dilson Herrera: 2-4, HR, RBI (.267/.364/.587)
• SS Danny Espinosa: 3-4, 2B (.247/.338/.436)

The Mets offense got to former Mariner Erasmo Rameriz, tagging him for three runs over the course of six-and-a-third innings. Danny Espinosa put forth a solid game, recording one double and two singles in four at bats. Tim Tebow doubled for the eighth time this season, raising his OPS to .449. Aaron Altherr recorded two hits in four at bats.

• RHP Harol Gonzalez: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, BB, 4 K (3-3, 3.41)
• LHP Daniel Zamora: 1.1 IP, K (1-0, 2.53)

Harol Gonzalez continues to work towards a promotion to the MLB with another strong start for Syracuse. Daniel Zamora lowered his AAA ERA to 2.53 as he continues his strong return to Syracuse. Tim Peterson worked a clean innings last night aswell. Jacob Rhame gave up one run in an inning of work.

Erie (37-36) 10, Binghamton (38-34) 0 F/7 G1 BOX SCORE

• SS Andres Gimenez: 1-3 (.233/.308/.353)
• 2B Michael Paez: 1-3 (.217/.304/.294)
• C Ali Sanchez: 1-2, 2B, BB (.302/.365/.379)

The Rumble Ponies offense was… well… not there. As a team, they recorded three hits in total  over the course of a seven inning game. Ali Sanchez was the only hitter to reach base twice as he doubled and walked. Andres Gimenez has continued a nice return from the injured list, hitting in six of his last nine games.

• LHP Luc Rennie: 10 H, 10 R, 8 ER, BB, 2 K (0-2, 6.06)
• RHP Joseph Shaw: 1.1 IP, H, 2 BB, K (1-0, 2.12)

Luc Rennie did not support the lack of an offense last night for Binghamton. In need of a Game 2 starter, the Ponies called on Rennie. He did not entirely answer the call. Rennie was absolutely destroyed by Erie, getting punched by the SeaWolves offense about every other pitch. Joseph Shaw managed to work a scoreless inning in this game.

Erie (38-36) 2, Binghamton (38-35) 1 BOX SCORE

• C Dustin Houle: 2-3, 2B (.083/.154/.167)
• CF Braxton Lee: 1-3 (.271/.359/.350)

For the second straight game, the Ponies’ offense was nowhere to be seen. Dustin Houle was the only player to record more than one hit on the game. Ali Sanchez went 1-3, following a solid Game 1 performance. He now has a 17-game hitting streak.

• LHP Jaison Vilera: 5.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 4 K (0-1, 3.18)
• RHP Adonis Uceta: 1.1 IP, K (3-2, 2.33)

Vilera did not have his best stuff on Wednesday, but was able to push through and manage a solid start for the Ponies. He lowered his season ERA to a solid 3.18, which is a very solid continuation of his 2018 season.

Dunedin (46-27) 3, St Lucie (39-36) 1 BOX SCORE

• 2B Carlos Cortes: 1-4, 2B (.258/.333/.425)

The Mets offense was no where to be found. Jeremy Vasquez was the only other Met to record a hit, and he had the team’s only RBI. Cortes’ double was his 15th of the season.

• RHP Kevin Smith: 5.2 IP, 9 H, R, BB, 6 K (4-5, 3.56)
• RHP Conner O’Neil: 2 IP, 4 H, BB

Kevin Smith, who has had a very impressive season so far, continued his solid work today without having his best stuff. Smith’s gutty outing was a solid bounce back from his last outing where he gave up four earned runs.

Columbia (28-45) 2, Lexington (39-37) 1 BOX SCORE

• SS Ronny Mauricio: 1-4, 2B (.284/.322/.378)
• C Hayden Senger: 2-3 (.242/.341/.386)
• RF Gerson Molina: 1-3, 2B (.232/.342/.384)

Hayden Senger continues to stay hot with a two hit performance, as he is hitting .417 over his last 10 games. The 22-year-old catching prospect has raised his batting average for Columbia from .183 to .242. A strong OBP also sees him OPSing .726. Ronny Mauricio continues to do Ronny Mauricio things, as he now has recorded five hits in his last four games. Gerson Molina ripped his eighth double of the season.

• RHP Jose Butto: 6 IP, 5 H, R, BB, 5 K (2-7, 4.20)
• RHP Billy Oxford: IP (0-2, 4.45)
• RHP Allan Winans (0-1, 4.11)

Jose Butto turned in one of his best starts of the season, going six innings, allowing one run and striking out five.

Brooklyn 2, Aberdeen 1 F/10 BOX SCORE

• 2B Gavin Cecchini: 2-4, 2B (.250/.333/.375)
• 1B Joe Genord: 1-4, HR (.323/.378/.613)

Joe Genord blasted his second home run of the 2019 campaign, the best mark on the team for the young season. Gavin Cecchini continued his rehab assignment, going 2-4 with a double.

• RHP Corey Oswalt: 4.2 IP, 3 H, R, 2 BB, 4 K (0-0,6.75)
• RHP Mitch Ragan: 2.1 IP, 2 K (0-1, 1.69)

Corey Oswalt continued his rehab assignment with the Cyclones tonight, going just under five innings and striking out four. 2019 draft pick Mitch Ragan recorded seven scoreless outs.

Kingsport (6-3) 4, Burlington (5-4) 1 BOX SCORE

• 1B Wilfred Astudillo: 2-5, 2B (.308/.357/.538)
• CF Kennie Taylor: 2-5, 3B (.274/.294/.333)

The Mets offense exploded for 11 hits, but only crossed 4 runs across the plate. Kennie Taylor out of Duke University, ripped his first triple of his professional career against Burlington. Wilfred Astudillo continued his hot start, ripping his first double.

• RHP Ramon Guzman: 5 IP, 2 H, BB, 7 K (1-0, 0.00)
• LHP Jefferson Escorcha: 3 IP, H, R, K (0-0, 2.84)

Ramon Guzman threw a scoreless start for Kingsport, his second of the season. Guzman’s 7 K’s are a season high. Escorcha.

GCL Mets (2-0) 11, GCL Astros (0-3) 6 BOX SCORE

• DH Brett Baty: 2-5, 2B (.333/.400/.556)
• C Francisco Alvarez: 2-3, HR (.571/.667/1.286)
• CF Adrian Hernandez: 2-4, 2 2B (.444/.500/1.000)

The GCL offense exploded for 11 runs yesterday, and were lead by arguably the three best prospects on the team. Baty, Alvarez, and Hernandez combined for six hits, three doubles, and a long ball. The three “bonus babies” are leading the team’s offense on the young season. Alvarez did leave the game for a pinch runner after being hit by a pitch.

#Mets 17-year-old catching prospect Francisco Alvarez crushed his first professional home run in the Gulf Coast League today: pic.twitter.com/jDdOwXuvIt

— Jacob Resnick (@Jacob_Resnick) June 26, 2019

• RHP Robert Colina: 4 IP, 3 H, R, 0 ER, BB, 6 K (0-0, 0.00)

Robert Colina threw four pretty solid innings for the Mets, and was backed by a very shaky bullpen. Only Ronnie Taylor Jr. turned in a clean outing out of the bullpen.

DSL Rockies (12-8) 14, DSL Mets1 (11-8) 11 BOX SCORE

• RF Carlos Dominguez: 3-4, 2B, HR, 3 RBI (.340/.452/.560)
• 1B Wilmis Castro: 3-5, RBI (.313/.365/.375)

Carlos Dominguez had his best game of the season, recording three extra-base hits.

• RHP Carlos Castellanos: 2.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 K (0-0, 2.57)

DSL Cubs 15, DSL Mets2 (8-10) 4 BOX SCORE

• LF Dyron Campos: 2-3 (.333/.426/.448)

The Mets offense was quiet; Campos was the only to record multiple hits.

• RHP Eiker Huizi: 3 IP,  H, 2 R, ER, 4 BB, 3 K (2-1, 1.38)

Starter Ricardo Rodriguez failed to record more than one out.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Francisco Alvarez Homers in GCL Win appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

This year, the Mets had a number of breakout performances leading some players to crack Top 100 prospect lists and for other players to finally get their chance to play at the Major League level. Looking over those performances, here are 2018 Mets full season affiliate leaders in each offensive category among qualifiers (3.1 plate appearances per game):

G – 133 Zach Borenstein (Las Vegas)
PA – 574 Peter Alonso (Binghamton & Las Vegas)
AB – 484 Zach Borenstein (Las Vegas)
R – 92 Zach Borenstein (Las Vegas)
H – 136 Peter Alonso (Binghamton & Las Vegas)
2B – 32 Zach Borenstein (Las Vegas)
3B – 7 Matt Winaker (Columbia), Edgardo Fermin (Columbia), John Mora (Binghamton), Quinn Brodey (Columbia & St. Lucie)
HR – 36 Peter Alonso (Binghamton & Las Vegas)
RBI – 119 Peter Alonso (Binghamton & Las Vegas)
SB – 38 Andres Gimenez (St. Lucie & Binghamton)
BB – 81 Zach Borenstein (Las Vegas)
BA – .306 Levi Michael (Binghamton)
OBP – .395 Peter Alonso (Binghamton & Las Vegas)
SLG – .579 Peter Alonso (Binghamton & Las Vegas)
OPS – .975 Peter Alonso (Binghamton & Las Vegas)
TB – 277 Peter Alonso (Binghamton & Las Vegas)
HBP – 24 Scott Manea (Columbia)
SF – 9 Michael Paez (St. Lucie)

One surprise from this list may be the omission of Jeff McNeil. While McNeil did have an outstanding minor league season hitting .342/.411/.617, he did not have enough at-bats to be listed among qualifiers.

Conversely, it should come as no surprise Alonso led in most offensive categories. Also, as we have seen with Las Vegas being the Triple-A affiliate of the Mets, it should also come as no surprise players who played for that team. It will be interesting to see if this is something which evens out a bit more across affiliates as Syracuse becomes the Mets new Triple-A affiliate.

The post Mets Minors’ Full Season Affiliates Offensive Leaders appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Photo by Ed Delany

It was a rough day for the New York Mets minor league affiliates with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies the only winner. With the season beginning to ramp up, here’s how the farm teams fared yesterday.

El Paso (2-1) 8, Las Vegas (1-2) 3  Box Score

• Dominic Smith 1B: 3-for-4, HR, 2B, RBI
• Bryce Brentz RF: 1-for-4, RBI, K
• David Thompson 3B: 1-for-4, K

The 51s’ offense was very quiet last night. Brentz put them up 1-0 in the first with an RBI single, and in the second, starting pitcher Chris Flexen reached on an error by the third baseman Dusty Coleman on what should have been a double play, and then right fielder Franmil Reyes made a throwing error, scoring Thompson to put the 51s up 2-1. Smith had a nice day at the plate, hitting his first home run of the season as part of a three-hit night. His double was a routine flyout that the outfielders lost in the lights, but it was a double nonetheless.

• RHP Chris Flexen: 5.0 IP, 9 H, 4 R, BB, 3 K
• LHP David Roseboom: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
• LHP Kyle Regnault: 0.2 IP, H, 2 R, 0 ER, BB, K
• RHP Kevin McGowan: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, K
• RHP Tim Peterson: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K

Flexen looked iffy in his first career Triple-A start. He gave up a lot of hard contact, including two solo home runs. He kept his composure and never went off the rails but did not have the confidence or aggressiveness of a Major League pitcher. Roseboom came in and quickly gave up two long balls, before walking two and eventually getting out of a very shaky inning. Regnault gave up a hit and a walk that both ended up scoring on an error by left fielder Phillip Evans, and all that damage proved to be too much for the 51s to overcome.

Binghamton (2-0) 5, Portland (0-2) 3 Box Score

• Peter Alonso 1B : 2-for-3, RBI, 2B, BB
• Tomas Nido DH: 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 2B
• Tim Tebow LF: 0-for-3, 2 K
• Jhoan Urena: 1-4, RBI, 2 K, SB

The Rumble Ponies went 3-for-7 with runners in scoring position. The Ponies won their second game of the year in as many tries, and most of their offense came from their two biggest prospects, Tomas Nido and Peter Alonso. Two of the Mets’ top 15 prospects, these two drove in four of the Ponies’ five runs.

• RHP Andrew Church: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, BB, 6 K
• RHP Eric Hanhold: 1.2 IP, W
• RHP Tyler Bashlor: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K
• RHP Corey Taylor: 1 IP, H, R, K, BB

While he wasn’t perfect, Andrew Church got the job done in 4.1 solid innings in his debut.  Binghamton wraps up with Portland at 2:05 p.m. on Sunday with Nabil Crismatt getting the start.

Bradenton (2-1) 5, St. Lucie (1-2) 3 Box Score

• Desmond Lindsay CF: 1-for-4, 2 K
• Andres Gimenez: 1-for-3, BB
• Dash Winningham: 2-for-4, HR, RBI
• Michael Paez DH: 1-3, BB, K

St. Lucie attempted a 9th inning rally, plating one on a Dash Winningham home run, but was shut down by Matt Eckelman for Bradenton. Ian Strom hit a solo home run for his first of the season.

• RHP Gabriel Llanes: 1 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, BB
• RHP Joseph Zanghi: 2.2 IP, H, 3 K
• RHP Ryder Ryan: 1 IP, H, K

Gabriel Llanes started for the Mets and only went one inning after giving up four runs, a home run, and a walk in the inning. Llanes didn’t return to the game after a rain delay. Ryan, who came over in Jay Bruce trade, now has 14 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to last season. Harol Gonzalez closes the series for St. Lucie on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Augusta (1-2) 6, Columbia (2-1) 2 Box Score

The Fireflies were never able to get ahead of the GreenJackets on Saturday evening. Trailing the whole evening, Columbia was doomed by errors and a lack of hitting. Jake Simon was solid, only allowing one run over six innings. He served up a solid debut outing in a crucial year for his future.  Columbia and Augusta wrap up their shortened series tomorrow at 2:05 as LHP and former first-round pick out of UConn Anthony Kay makes his season debut.

• Raphael Gladu RF: 3-for-4
• Blake Tiberi 2B: 2-for-4, R
• Quinn Brodey CF: 1-for-2, 2 BB, RBI, R
• Gio Alfonzo 3B: 1-for-3, BB, RBI

Blake Tiberi continued his hot start to the season, compiling two more hits and improving his early average to .455. The Fireflies went just 2-for-9 with runners with scoring position.

• LHP Jake Simon 6 IP, 3 H, R, 2 BB, 4 K
• RHP Cannon Chadwick: 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 K
• RHP Nicolas Debora: 1 IP, H, 2R, 0 ER, BB

The post Mets Minors Recap: Dominic Smith Shows Off Power appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Fresno Grizzlies (55-41) 19, Las Vegas 51s (36-60) 12 Box Score

• Gavin Cecchini SS: 3 for 5, 3 Runs, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB
• Phillip Evans 2B: 4 for 6, 2 Runs, 3B, HR, 3 RBI, K
• Dominic Smith 1B: 1 for 4, 2 Runs, RBI, K

Yes, I typed the score correctly and no, they did not play football. Nice to see Gavin have back-to-back big games. Hopefully it is a sign of things to come for him going forward. Dominic Smith has a hit in 28 of his last 29 games.

• RHP Mitch Atkins (2-3, 8.85 ERA): 3 IP, 11 H, 13 R (12 ER), 2 BB, 2 K
• RHP Luis Mateo (0-0, 7.04 ERA): 2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, 2 K
• LHP Kyle Regnault (2-0, 2.78 ERA): 1 IP, BB
• RHP Ben Rowen (2-3, 5.61 ERA): 1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 2 K
• LHP Alberto Baldonado (0-3, 7.96 ERA): 1 IP, H, 2 ER, 2 K
• RHP Kevin McGowan (2-3, 3.78 ERA): 1 IP, BB, K

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (51-39) 13, Akron RubberDucks (45-46) 0 F/7 Box Score

• Champ Stuart CF: 2 for 3, 3 Runs, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, K
• Kevin Taylor LF: 2 for 3, Run, RBI, BB
• Tomas Nido C: 3 for 4, 2 Runs, 2B, 2 RBI

The Rumble Ponies scored five in the second and seven in the third to win this one in a laugher. Nido had been struggling but had a big day yesterday to hopefully get him back on track.

• LHP P.J. Conlon (6-7, 3.81 ERA): 7 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 8 K

Conlon was dominant and had more than enough. It’s been an up and down reason for the southpaw but he was able to deliver for his team yesterday. Conlon became the first Binghamton pitcher to record three shutouts in one season since Denny Harriger in 1993.

Akron RubberDucks 6, Binghamton Rumble Ponies 3 Box Score

• Champ Stuart CF: 2 for 4, 2B, RBI
• David Thompson 3B: 1 for 3, RBI, R, SB

Binghamton lost despite going 4 for 8 with runners in scoring position

• RHP Corey Oswalt (3-3, 3.29) 3 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, Loss
• RHP Scarlyn Reyes (1.42) 3 IP, H, 0 R, 3 K
• LHP Josh Smoker IP, 2 H, 2 K

Smoker continued his rehab assignment and 17 pitches with 11 coming for strikes.

St. Lucie Mets (43-50) 3, Jupiter Hammerheads (46-47) 2 Box Score

• Michael Paez SS: 1 for 3, BB
• Peter Alonso 1B: 1 for 3, Run, 2B, RBI, BB
• Patrick Mazeika C: 1 for 3, K

Peter Alonso continues his hot hitting. He is now hitting .254/.320/.475. His OPS would be good for 17th in the league if he qualified. He had a .486 OPS his first 21 games and a 1.024 OPS his last 28 games. Tim Tebow was 0 for 3 but picked up an RBI with a bases loaded walk.

• RHP Joe Shaw (6-5, 5.20 ERA): 6 IP, 4 H, BB, 8 K
• RHP Craig Missigman (3-1, 3.34 ERA): 0.1 IP, 3 H, ER, K
• RHP Joshua Torres (0-2, 3.32 ERA): 1.2 IP
• RHP Tyler Bashlor (2-2, 4.93 ERA): 1 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 3 K

Shaw hasn’t allowed a run in his last two starts spanning 13 innings. Bashlor has 61 strikeouts in 34.2 innings. He could be really good if he just exhibits a little bit more command.

Brooklyn Cyclones (8-20) 3, Staten Island Yankees (20-8) 2 Box Score

• Matt Winaker 1B: 2 for 3, 2 Runs, BB
• Reed Gamache 3B: 3 for 4, 2B, RBI
• Quinn Brodey LF: 0 for 4, 2 K

Winaker has now moved to the lead off role thanks in large part to his .395 OBP. He still has not hit for much power but it is still way too early to worry about that.

• LHP Jose Carlos Medina (1-3, 2.41 ERA): 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 5 K
• RHP Tony Dibrell (0-0, 10.50 ERA): 2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 3 K
• RHP Connor O’Neil (0-1, 4.05 ERA): 1 IP, H, K

Medina has been very good thus far in the young season. He has shown great command prior to today’s game. Entering today, he had two walks in 27.2 innings.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Smoker Throws Scoreless Inning, Conlon Twirls Gem appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Round Rock Express (21-26) 3, Las Vegas 51s (19-28) 1 Box Score

• Amed Rosario SS: 1 for 4, RBI
• Gavin Cecchini 2B: 1 for 3, BB
• Dominic Smith 1B: 1 for 4, 2B,

A night after losing to the Round Rock Express 14-3, the Las Vegas 51s dropped their second game of the four-game series 3-1 Wednesday night. The 51s managed just one run on five hits, their lone run coming off the bat of shortstop Amed Rosario, who singled to center in the 8th, driving in Xorge Carrillo from third. Rosario now has an eleven-game hitting streak, and has 19 hits in those 11 games, eight for extra bases.

• RHP Ricky Knapp (2-5, 4.92 ERA): 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K (Loss)
• LHP Alberto Maldonado (0-1, 9.39 ERA): 1 IP, H, 0 R, 2 BB, K

Ricky Knapp made his 10th start of the year, and pitched at least seven innings for the fourth time this season. Knapp allowed just one earned run, as two unearned runs scored in the third inning on a fielding error from third baseman Phillip Evans. The 51s have now lost three straight games.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (24-15) 1, Richmond Flying Squirrels (17-26) 0 (Game 1) Box Score

• Asdrubal Cabrera SS: 1 for 3
• Tomas Nido C: 1 for 2, 2B, BB, R
• Kevin Kaczmarski RF: 1 for 3, RBI
• Kevin Taylor LF: 2 for 3

The Rumble Ponies took the first game of two against Richmond Wednesday, 1-0. Catcher Tomas Nido hit his 8th double of the year in the fourth, reaching third on Kevin Taylor’s single. Left fielder Kevin Kaczmarski singled to center, plating Nido for the Rumble Ponies’ only run of the game. Asdrubal Cabrera completed his first rehab start at short, playing all seven innings while committing a fielding error in the second inning.

• LHP P.J. Conlon (5-2, 3.02 ERA): 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (Win)

Lefty P.J. Conlon was dealing on the mound, tossing his second complete game of the season with seven shutout innings. It was a complete turnaround for Conlon, after allowing a career worst 10 hits in his last outing on May 18 vs. Altoona. Conlon allowed just one extra-base hit (double), and worked 1-2-3 innings from the third inning on. In total, Conlon threw 95 pitches, 64 for strikes (67 percent).

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (25-15) 5, Richmond Flying Squirrels (17-27) 0 (Game 2) Box Score

• L.J. Mazzilli 2B: 2 for 3, 2 R
• David Thompson 3B: 1 for 3, 2B, RBI, R
• Jio Mier PR-SS: 1 for 2, HR, RBI, R
• Colton Plaia C: 2 for 2, BB, RBI, R

The Rumble Ponies were held scoreless until the fifth, when third baseman David Thompson doubled to left, scoring L.J. Mazzilli who singled to leadoff the inning. Jio Mier came in to replace the rehabbing Asdrubal Cabrera in the fourth at short, and hit his 2nd home run to left in the seventh.

• RHP Donovan Hand (3-1, 3.41 ERA): 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K (Win)

Right-handed starter Donovan Hand tossed his third complete game of his career, and first since July 24, 2008. Hand tossed just 72 pitches in six shutout innings, his first career shutout.

St. Lucie Mets (22-25) 8,  Bradenton Marauders (28-19) 4 Box Score

• John Mora CF: 3 for 5, HR, RBI, 2 R
• Jose Garcia C: 3 for 4, R
• Nick Sergakis 3B: 2 for 4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
• Jhoan Urena 1B: 1 for 4, 2B, RBI, R

Third baseman Nick Segakis got the Mets on the board in the second with his fourth home run of the season, a two-run shot to left. Center fielder John Mora added to the scoring with his second homer of the year in the third, a solo shot to right. Jhoan Urena continues his hot hitting of late, providing a run scoring double in the fifth, his team leading 15th double of the season. He now has a .919 OPS on the year.

• RHP Chris Flexen (0-0, 2.45 ERA): 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
• RHP Craig Missigman (3-1, 3.38 ERA): 0.2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (Win)
• RHP Justin Dunn (2-3, 5.75 ERA): 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K (Hold)
• RHP Tyler Bashlor (1-0, 3.38 ERA): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, K
• RHP Johnny Magliozzi (3-1, 2.77 ERA): 1.1 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (Save)

Right-handed starter Chris Flexen made his second start of the season for the Fireflies, returning to the mound after he underwent surgery in early March to remove a bone chip from his right knee. Flexen’s pitch count was high heading into the fourth, already at 68 pitches before he got Marauders’ center fielder Casey Hughston to line out on four pitches to begin the fourth. Justin Dunn relieved in the fifth, pitching three shutout innings. Dunn was a bit wild on the afternoon, as he threw 46 pitches, with only 24 for strikes (52 percent). However, his last two outings combined are certainly encouraging: 8 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, and 9 strikeouts.

Columbia Fireflies (22-20) 3, Charleston RiverDogs (22-22) 0 (Game 1) Box Score 

• Michael Paez 3B: 2 for 2, 3B, BB, RBI, R
• Andres Gimenez SS: 2 for 3, R
• Gene Cone RF: 1 for 3, RBI
• Jay Jabs LF: 1 for 2, 2B, R

The Columbia Fireflies took the first of two games in seven innings Wednesday morning. A run scoring triple off the bat of third baseman Michael Paez and a sac-fly from second baseman Luis Carpio in the fourth gave the Fireflies all the runs they would need in the abbreviated contest. Gene Cone added an RBI single in the fifth. It was the team’s seventh shutout victory of the season.

• RHP Jordan Humphreys (7-1, 1.57 ERA): 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, BB, 10 K (Win)

Jordan Humphreys dominated the Charleston RiverDogs, tossing his second complete game of the year, tied with P.J. Conlon for most among the Mets’ minor league system. Humphreys allowed just one extra-base hit (double) and struck out 10 over 99 pitches, 68 for strikes (69 percent). It was Humphreys’ sixth start allowing no more than one walk, and his fifth start with at least nine strikeouts. His 1.57 ERA is good for third in the South Atlantic League among all pitchers.

Charleston RiverDogs (23-22) 10, Columbia Fireflies (22-21) 5 (Game 2) Box Score *Completed after 5 innings.*

• Tim Tebow LF: 2 for 2, 2 R, HBP
• Milton Ramos 3B: 1 for 1, sac-fly, 2B, 2 RBI, R
• Gene Cone RF: 1 for 2, BB, R

The Fireflies dropped the second game of their doubleheader in five innings due to inclement weather. Gene Cone added a lead-off single in the first, extending his hitting streak to six games. Milton Ramos hit his fourth double of the year in the fourth, plating Tim Tebow who reached base three times including two singles and a hit-by-pitch in the fifth inning.

• RHP Gabriel Llanes (2-3, 3.19 ERA): 3 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, K (Loss)
• RHP Darwin Ramos (0-0, 5.87 ERA): 2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, BB, K

Gabriel Llanes, the 21-year-old righty from California, had a rough start for the Fireflies in the second game Wednesday. Llanes tossed a season low three innings, tying a career worst 11 hits, and allowed eight runs (five earned) on 78 pitches, 55 for strikes.

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Binghamton Rumble Ponies (9-8) 4,  Akron RubberDucks (8-11) 1 Box Score

• Champ Stuart RF: 2 for 3, 3 SB, 2 R, BB
• David Thompson 3B: 1 for 4, HR, RBI, R
• Patrick Biondi CF: 2 for 4

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies took the rubber game of the Akron RubberDucks series by a score of 4-1 Wednesday. The Rumble Ponies jumped to the early lead in the first inning with some small ball. Champ Stuart led off with a single on a bunt ground ball down the third base line, and promptly stole second for his 7th stolen base of the season. Luis Guillorme sacrificed Stuart to third on a bunt, and number three-hitter Kevin Kaczmarksi drove him in with a groundout to short.

Third baseman David Thompson smacked his first home run of the year, a solo shot in the fourth. Along with his first inning stolen base, Stuart added two more on the night for an Eastern League leading nine.

• RHP Corey Oswalt (2-2, 3.13 ERA): 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO
• LHP Kyle Regnault (1-0, 0.00 ERA): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, SO, Hold (2)
• RHP Tim Peterson (0-0, 0.00 ERA): IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, SO, Save (1)

Right-hander Corey Oswalt registered his second best start of the year, with his first coming in his last start against Erie SeaWolves. Oswalt pitched six innings, allowing one unearned run on four hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts on 97 pitches. He lowered his ERA more than a run from 4.24 to 3.13.

St. Lucie Mets (8-12) 8,  Lakeland Flying Tigers (11-9) 7 Box Score 

• Wuilmer Becerra DH: 3 for 5, 2B, 4 RBI
• Brandon Nimmo CF: 1 for 3, 2B, 3 R, 2 RBIs, BB
• Patrick Mazeika C: 1 for 3, HR, RBI, R, BB

The St. Lucie Mets had a 8-4 lead after four innings, thanks in part to Wuilmer Becerra‘s RBI single in the first, driving in a rehabbing Brandon Nimmo who walked to leadoff the inning and was playing center field. Becerra drove in his second of four runs on the night in the second with an RBI double, and in the following inning Nimmo drove in a run with a double to center. Catcher Patrick Mazeika added a solo homer in the fourth on a fly ball to left. This was Becerra’s seventh multi-hit game of this season.

• RHP Justin Dunn (1-1, 6.30 ERA): 6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO
• RHP Darwin Ramos (0-0, 4.32 ERA): 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, SO
• RHP Alex Palsha (0-1, 2.89 ERA): IP, H, 2 BB, Save (2)

Justin Dunn made his fourth start of the year for the St. Lucie Mets, appearing in a career high six innings and picking up his first 2017 victory. It was also Dunn’s first victory as a starter, as the one win he recorded in ’16 was out of the bullpen for Brooklyn. Dunn struggled in the second inning, serving up a solo home run to the leadoff batter, followed by a triple and a run scoring single. Harold Castro doubled in Ben Verlander to give Lakeland a 4-1 lead. But those would be the last runs Dunn would surrender, as Dunn posted zeroes in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth, striking out two in his final frame.

Columbia Fireflies (12-9) 5, Asheville Tourists (10-11) 0 Box Score

• Michael Paez SS: 2 for 4, HR, 2B, RBI, R
• Tim Tebow DH: 3 for 4, 3B, 2 R
• Gene Cone LF: 1 for 4, 2B, 2 RBIs

The Columbia Fireflies defeated the Asheville Tourists 5-0 Wednesday, their sixth shutout victory of the season, behind offensive performances from Tim Tebow, Michael Paez, and Gene Cone. A three-run second inning for the FireFlies got the offense started, as Ali Sanchez drove in the first run with a sac-fly to center before Gene Cone doubled in Tebow and Jose Miguel Medina to give the FireFlies the early 3-0 lead. Paez had his fourth multi-hit game of the season, including a solo home run in the third inning, his 2nd of the season. Tim Tebow hit his first triple of the season in the sixth and scored two runs. Tebow was robbed of a possible home run that would have given him the cycle in the eighth inning.

• RHP Merandy Gonzalez (4-0, 0.00 ERA): 7.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 HB, 5 SO
• RHP Matt Blackham (1-0, 0.90 ERA): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 2 SO

Merandy Gonzalez continued to impress in his fourth start, matching a career high in innings pitched (7.2), and still without issuing a run. The 21-year-old scattered five hits to the Asheville Tourists, and worked out of trouble in the third after a one-out triple by Robbie Perkins. Gonzalez induced an inning ending double play to the ensuing batter Manuel Melendez, with first baseman Dash Winningham throwing home to Ali Sanchez to catch Perkins trying to score. Gonzalez is now tied with teammate Jordan Humphreys with the most wins in the Mets’ system with four.

The Las Vegas 51s had the night off. 

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