K-Mets Knock Off Jays 8-3

F: Kingsport 8 Bluefield 3
W: N. Peden (2-4)
L: A. Galindo (1-4)
The Mets kicked off this three-game set with the Bluefield Blue Jays in style, as they scored the final eight runs of the game to post an 8-3 victory.
While the Mets (27-24) got the win, the afternoon didn't get off to a good start for the home team.
Bluefield (30-21) ambushed Kingsport starter Dedniel Nunez to the tune of five singles in the first, which plated three Blue Jay runs.
Then in the bottom of the first inning, the skies opened up when a strong scattered storm hit Kingsport. After the first was complete, the umpires called for the tarp, which began a long rain/wet grounds delay.
Play resumed at 6:40 p.m., which totaled 2:12 minutes of delay time. This knocked both Nunez, and Bluefield starter Troy Watson out of the game.
The Mets were able to get to the Blue Jay pen to the tune of eight runs, including a three-run opposite field homer by Mark Vientos in the third that tied the game at three.
The Mets took the lead for good in the fourth as they plated three more, including RBIs by L.A. Woodard and Yoel Romero.
Offensive standouts for Kingsport included Vientos and his three-run homer, while Jarred Kelenic and Luis Santana had two hits apiece.
The eight runs put up by the Mets offense were more than enough for Nate Peden, who came in for the game's restart in the second. Peden through seven shutout frames, including a stretch where he retired 13 Blue Jay hitters in a row.
Christian Tripp finished the deal with a perfect ninth, as the Mets earned a big win and gained a game on first place Elizabethton.
The Mets and Jays are back it tomorrow at 6:30 for the second game in the series. Tomorrow is Military Monday where the Mets will welcome all veterans and active military, and wear special military appreciation uniforms. The gate will open at 5:30.