Michael Mercado Spins Five Stellar Frames as ‘Pigs Downed by Mets

Jordan Luplow smashes his sixth homer of the season

May 8, 2024

Allentown, Pennsylvania (May 7, 2024) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-20) rallied to tie the game in the seventh inning, but saw their final push fall just shy in the ninth as they lost 5-4 to the Syracuse Mets (19-14) by a final of 5-4 on Wednesday night at Coca-Cola

Allentown, Pennsylvania (May 7, 2024) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-20) rallied to tie the game in the seventh inning, but saw their final push fall just shy in the ninth as they lost 5-4 to the Syracuse Mets (19-14) by a final of 5-4 on Wednesday night at Coca-Cola Park.

Luisangel Acuna began the game with a double for Syracuse. He then stole third and scored on a throwing error on the play.

In the third, Scott Kingery walked and moved to second on a balk. Cody Roberts then singled him home to tie the game at 1-1.

Syracuse reclaimed the lead in the sixth. Mark Vientos produced an RBI single and then Luke Ritter walked with the bases loaded to force home another run.

The ‘Pigs tied the game in quick succession in the seventh. Nick Podkul drove home a run to make it 3-2 and then Jim Haley tripled him home to tie the game 3-3.

The Mets answered back in the eighth. Rylan Bannon scored from third on a fielder’s choice as the throw home was misplayed and Jose Iglesias scored on a Carlos Cortes sacrifice fly to make it 5-3.

Jordan Luplow popped a solo homer, his sixth of the year, to make it 5-4 in the eighth for the ‘Pigs. In the ninth, Lehigh Valley loaded the bases with two outs, but ultimately left them loaded, falling, 5-4.

Dedniel Nunez (3-0) earned the win in relief for the Mets, retiring the only two hitters he faced, striking out one. Josh Walker (S, 3) fired a scoreless ninth, working around two walks, punching out one.

Max Lazer (0-1) took the loss for the ‘Pigs. Lazar allowed two runs, one earned, on two hits. Michael Mercado started for the ‘Pigs but did not factor into the decision. He allowed just one unearned run over five innings, striking out five.

The ‘Pigs and Mets square off again on Thursday, May 9 with first pitch slated for 6:45 p.m. Tyler Phillips (3-1, 3.72) toes the rubber for the ‘Pigs while the Mets counter with Mike Vasil (0-2, 10.80).

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital Blue Cross.

--#YourHometownTeam--