Binghamton Mets 2013 Game Notes

Binghamton Mets (19-18) vs. Akron Aeros (19-18) (Double-A Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians)

RHP Rafael Montero (3-3, 3.54) vs. LHP Matt Packer (1-4, 3.72)

Monday, May 13, 2013 • Game #39 • Home Game #19

NYSEG Stadium • Binghamton, NY • 6:35 PM

LAST GAME: The B-Mets split a doubleheader against the Harrisburg Senators Sunday afternoon. In Game One, the Senators defeated Binghamton 3-1. The game was highlighted by an Anthony Rendon two-run home run in the top of the fifth inning. Mark Cohoon was tagged with the loss; the lefty went 4.2 innings, and gave up two runs on four base hits. The B-Mets earned the spit in Game Two however, winning by a score of 9-3. They scored six runs in the first inning, and tacked on three more in the second inning en route to the win. Cory Mazzoni threw 5.2 innings, gave up one run on four hits, and picked up his first win on the mound this year. He also went 2-for-3 with two RBI at the plate. Mazzoni, Cesar Puello, and Joe Bonfe each had two RBI in the win.

BINGHAMTON STARTING PITCHER: RHP Rafael Montero makes his eighth start of the season for the B-Mets, and his third against the Akron Aeros. After winning his first three decisions, he has been the loser in each of his last three starts. Against the Aeros, Montero is 1-1. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up one run on Opening Day (4/4) to pick up the win. On 4/26, he was tagged with the loss after throwing 5.0 innings and giving up two runs on four hits. He has struck out a season-high eight batters in each of his two starts against Akron.

AKRON STARTING PITCHER: LHP Matt Packer gets the ball for the eighth time in 2013, and the third against the Binghamton Mets. In his last start, 5/8 v ERI, he earned his first win of the season. Packer gave up two unearned runs over 7.0 innings in an eventual 4-2 win. This season against the B-Mets, he is 0-2 with a 8.00 ERA. He has allowed 19 hits in 9.0 innings, and has not made it out of the fifth in either start. Packer lost his first four decisions of 2013.

SIX-RUN FIRST INNING: In Game Two of Sunday’s doubleheader, Binghamton scored six runs against Harrisburg starter Nathan Karns. This was the first time Binghamton had scored that many runs in the first frame since 7/15/12 v ERI. When scoring first, the B-Mets are 12-7 this season. They are 7-11 when opponents score first.

STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM: Seven out of the 10 B-Met base hits in Game Two yesterday came from the bottom four slots in the batting order. Blake Forsythe, Joe Bonfe, and Cory Mazzoni each had two base hits. The top five in the order finished the game 3-for-16 (.188).

SECOND IN STRIKEOUTS: Entering today, Rafael Montero is tied for second in the league with 48 strikeouts. In each of his seven starts, he has struck out at least five hitters. His season high is eight K’s, and he has done so three times. His strikeout to walk ratio is 8-to-1.

IT’S BEEN A WHILE: John Church allowed a two-run home run in the fifth inning of Game One yesterday. He had not allowed a run in his last five appearances (6.0 innings).  Church leads the team in games pitched, and has a 1-3 record with a 2.60 ERA.

SLAM THE DOOR: B-Met closer Jeff Walters currently leads the league with nine saves. Brock Huntzinger (POR) is right behind him with eight, and Walters has not recorded a save since  5/8 @ TRN. Binghamton has only had one save opportunity in the month of May.

AGAINST THE AEROS: This is the third series of the season between Binghamton and Akron. The B-Mets are 4-3 against the Aeros, including winning 3-of-4 to start the season. Akron went 2-1 at NYSEG Stadium when they came 4/26 - 4/28. As a team, the B-Mets are batting .265 against Akron pitching. Blake Forsythe has seven RBI in five games played. This is the last time Akron visits Binghamton in 2013.

NEXT GAME PREVIEW: The B-Mets continue their three-game series with the Akron Aeros. Game two of the series is Tuesday night at 6:35 PM. RHP Logan Verrett is scheduled to pitch for Binghamton against RHP Paolo Espino for Akron.