Offense Backs Wheeler in Rubber Match, 12-3

BINGHAMTON, NY – The Binghamton Mets scored nine runs in the second inning and Zack Wheeler struck out eight to defeat the Trenton Thunder by a 12-3 score in the rubber match of a three-game series Thursday night at NYSEG Stadium.

Trailing by two entering the second, the B-Mets kicked off the frame with four consecutive singles against Trenton starter Cory Arbiso, capped by Kai Gronauer’s RBI hit to center. David Adams made matters worse by booting a potential double play ball at second, allowing another run to come home.

After Matt den Dekker supplied a sac fly to center, Josh Rodriguez sent an RBI single up the middle. Jefry Marte walked to load the bases and Juan Lagares lined one off Arbiso. The pitcher recovered, but his throw sailed past Luke Murton at first and bounced into the stands, allowing two more runs to score.

Travis Ozga put a bow on the frame by launching a three-run home run to right field, his third jack of the year. By the time Sean Kazmar grounded out to end the inning, the B-Mets had sent twelve men to the plate, scored nine runs and racked up six hits. It was the most runs scored in one inning for Binghamton since they plated nine in the 3^rd inning against the Reading Phillies on August 14, 2010.

It was more than enough support for Wheeler (3-2) to collect his third straight win. The right-hander was tagged for a two-run home run by Cody Johnson in the first inning, but did not allow another hit until the sixth. He allowed just two total hits and struck out eight over a season-high seven innings.

Binghamton tacked onto their lead in the middle innings. Jefry Marte ripped a solo home run against reliever Francisco Rondon in the fourth, while Matt den Dekker added an RBI double in the fifth. Sean Kazmar supplied a run-scoring single against Ryan Pope in the sixth.

Edgar Ramirez took over on the mound in the eighth and needed just nine pitches to toss a perfect frame. Jeff Kaplan allowed one run in the ninth before striking out Jose Gil to end the game. Arbiso (1-1) allowed a season-high nine runs in the loss.

The B-Mets (19-19) begin a week-long roadtrip with a three-game series against the Portland Sea Dogs starting Friday night at 6:00 PM. RHP Gonzalez Germen takes the mound for Binghamton against RHP Billy Buckner. The Horizons Federal Credit Union pre-game show begins at 5:45 PM on Newsradio 1290 WNBF.

Press release provided by the Binghamton Mets