Six-Run First Powers ‘Pigs to Series Win Over Mets

Syracuse, New York (May 18, 2025) – A six-run first stood tall for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (31-14) in an 8-6 win over the Syracuse Mets (18-25), securing a series victory, on Sunday afternoon at NBT Bank Stadium.

Straight from the get-go, the ‘Pigs offense was rolling. Otto Kemp doubled to start the game and Justin Crawford followed with a single. Buddy Kennedy doubled home Kemp before Payton Henry singled in both Crawford and Henry. With the bases loaded later in the inning, Erick Brito belted a three-run double, capping the six-run frame.

The Mets got on the board in the third on an RBI fielder’s choice and added one more on a Donovan Walton RBI single in the fourth.

A two-run single for Rodolfo Castro put the ‘Pigs back up six in the top of the fifth, but a Jon Singleton RBI double in the last of the frame cancelled out one of those runs.

A Jared Young two-run single made it 8-5 in the sixth and a sacrifice fly got the Mets to within two in the eighth. But Michael Mercado and Guillo Zuñiga (S, 1) sat down the final six Mets hitters in a row, striking out five of them, to finish it.

Joel Kuhnel (2-1) was credited with the win for the ‘Pigs, allowing two runs in 1.2 innings on three hits, walking one. Zuñiga got his first save as a ‘Pig, striking out the side.

Brandon Waddell (1-3) took the loss for the Mets, allowing six runs in two-thirds of an inning on five hits and a walk.

Following an off-day on Monday, the IronPigs begin a six-game series against the Buffalo Bisons on Tuesday, May 20 at Coca-Cola Park. First pitch is slated for 11:00 a.m.

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.

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