Middle Of The Order Paces Mets Past Thunder, 9-7

(Trenton, NJ) - The middle of Binghamton's batting order -- Matt den Dekker, Jefry Marte and Eric Campbell -- combined to go 11-for-13 with eight RBIs as the Mets topped the Trenton Thunder, 9-7, Friday night in front of 6,365 fans at Waterfront Park. The Thunder (34-25) rallied from a 9-2 deficit to bring the tying run to the plate in the eighth and ninth innings but could not complete the comback.

Mets' three-hole hitter den Dekker went 5-for-5 with three runs scored and one driven in. The clean-up batter Marte finished 3-for-4 with four RBIs, including a big three-run home run against Trenton starter Adam Miller (0-1) that started the scoring in the opening inning. The five-place hitter Campbell batted 3-for-4 with three RBI.

Trailing by seven runs entering the bottom of the eighth, the Thunder picked up four runs against reliever Ryan Fraser including a two-run home run from Luke Murton, his eighth of the season, making the score 9-6. Robert Carson the relieved Fraser and struck out Yadil Mujica with two runners on to end the threat.

Carson allowed a run in the bottom of the ninth on Zoilo Almonte's RBI groundout, then faced Melky Mesa and Murton with the tying run at the plate. The lefty fanned Mesa with a high fastball and induced a pop out from Murton to end the game and record his third save of the season.

Jose Pirela extended his hitting streak to eight games with a 3-for-4 night, all hits being infield singles. Addison Maruszak also homered for the Thunder, his third of the year.

The Thunder and Mets continue the series Saturday night, with Trenton left-hander Shaeffer Hall (5-5) slated to start against lefty Darin Gorski (3-3). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm. Limited tickets are available by contacting the Thunder box office at 609-394-3300 or online at www.trentonthunder.com.