Akron 2, Binghamton 1

BINGHAMTON,NY – In his first start as a Binghamton Met, Zack Wheeler struck out four andallowed two runs on four hits over three innings in a losing effort as the B-Metsfell to the Akron Aeros by a 2-1 score tonight at NYSEG Stadium.

Wheeler,regarded as the top prospect in the New York Mets system by Baseball America, kicked off hisDouble-A career by striking out Tim Fedroff to start the game. He escapedunscathed after walking a pair in the inning by inducing Ryan Rohlinger tobounce into a double play.

Afterfanning two in a scoreless second, the righty from Georgia ran into trouble inthe third. Michel Hernandez lined a single up the middle and Fedroff reached onan infield single to third. With runners on first and second, Juan Diaz dumpeda double just inside the left-field line. The hit brought home Akron’s onlyruns of the game. Wheeler’s night came to a close after three innings.

T.J.McFarland made the start for Akron and tossed three shutout innings beforeallowing the B-Mets to crack the scoreboard in the fourth. Allan Dykstra ledoff the frame by looping a double to right. He scored two batters later whenJefry Marte one-hopped a double against the right-center field fence.

Itwould be the only offense supplied by the B-Mets. McFarland worked around adouble by Pedro Zapata to post a scoreless fifth and handed things off to thebullpen.

Afterfiring seven scoreless innings last night, the Aeros pen came through againtonight. Three relievers combined to hurl four scoreless frames. After EricCampbell’s leadoff single in the sixth against Bryan Price, the final 12 B-Metswere retired in order.

Priceput up two shutout innings, Bryce Stowell tossed a scoreless eighth and PrestonGuilment nailed down his first save in his Double-A debut with a shutout ninth.

TheB-Mets bullpen pulled together and put up a strong effort. Edgar Ramirez, ElvinRamirez, Brad Holt and Josh Edgin combined to throw six shutout innings. Theyallowed just one hit and struck out eight. The B-Mets fanned 12 Aeros in thegame.

TheB-Mets (0-2) wrap up their series against the Akron Aeros tomorrow afternoon at1:05 PM. LHP Darin Gorski will make his Double-A debut and RHP Steven Wrightgets the ball for Akron. The Horizons Federal Credit Union pre-game show beginsat 12:50 PM.