Syracuse, NY – The Syracuse Mets used five pitchers to shut out the Worcester Red Sox, 5-0, on Thursday night at NBT Bank Stadium.
Syracuse (23-24, 61-61) opened the scoring in the bottom of the first. Nick Morabito drew a leadoff walk and stole second before Émilien Pitre walked. After Billy Amick struck out and MJ Melendez reached on a forceout, Nick Lorusso walked to load the bases. Jose Ramos then reached on a fielding error, allowing Morabito to score and giving the Mets a 1-0 lead.
The Mets added another run in the second. Shawn Ross led off with a double before Zack Short reached on a throwing error, allowing Ross to score. Morabito followed with a single, but Syracuse was unable to add to the lead in the inning.
Syracuse extended its advantage in the third. Lorusso singled and stole both second and third before Ramos brought him home with a single to left field, making it 3-0. Ross followed with a double, but Ramos was thrown out at home trying to score.
The Mets added another run in the fourth when Billy Amick launched a solo home run to left-center field, his first of the season, putting Syracuse ahead 4-0.
Syracuse added its final run in the seventh. Pitre singled with one out and Melendez followed with another single. After Lorusso struck out, Ramos doubled to left field, scoring Pitre and moving Melendez to third as the Mets took a 5-0 lead.
The Syracuse pitching staff kept Worcester off the scoreboard throughout the night. Kevin Herget started and worked two scoreless innings before Brian Metoyer, Joe Jacques, Dan Hammer and Dylan Ross combined to finish the shutout. Metoyer and Jacques combined to strike out eight straight Worcester batters. The entire pitching staff combined for 12 strikeouts to just four walks.
Ramos finished 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs. Morabito reached base twice, scored a run and stole his 40th base of the season. Ross notched two doubles for his first multi-double game of the season, and Amick's solo home run was his first at the Triple-A level.
The Mets and Red Sox continue their series Friday night at NBT Bank Stadium. Right-hander Jack Wenninger is slated to get the start against right-hander Blake Wehunt. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.