Syracuse Mets Recap: Clifford Homers, Mets Jump to Early Lead, Lose in Walk-Off Fashion at St. Paul Wednesday

Box Score

St. Paul, MN — The Syracuse Mets took an early four-run lead, but fell to the St. Paul Saints 5-4 in walk-off fashion Wednesday night at CHS Field.

Syracuse (35-29, 73-66) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Jose Ramos singled before Ryan Clifford launched his 17th home run of the season to right field, scoring Ramos and giving the Mets an early two-run advantage.

The Mets added two more runs in the third. Vidal Bruján doubled and later scored on an RBI single by MJ Melendez. After Émilien Pitre walked, he came around to score on a single by Ramos, extending Syracuse’s lead to 4-0.

St. Paul (36-29, 78-7061 got on the board in the fifth when Cody Morissette hit his 16th home run of the season to left-center field, cutting the deficit to 4-1.

The Saints added another run in the sixth. Austin Martin singled and Alan Roden followed with a single before Martin scored when Matt Wallner reached on a fielder’s choice that also included a throwing error by Syracuse first baseman Billy Amick.

St. Paul tied the game in the seventh. David Bañuelos and Emmanuel Rodriguez drew back-to-back walks before Martin tripled to right field, scoring both runners and making it a 4-4 game.

Neither team scored in the eighth, sending the game to the ninth tied at four.

The Saints won it in the bottom of the ninth. Emmanuel Rodriguez singled and Hendry Mendez followed with another single to put runners on the corners. Alan Roden was intentionally walked to load the bases before Aaron Sabato struck out. Matt Wallner then drew a walk, allowing Rodriguez to score the winning run and giving St. Paul the 5-4 victory.

Jonathan Santucci started for Syracuse and tossed five innings, allowing five hits and one run with six strikeouts. Justin Hagenman followed with two innings, allowing three hits and three runs with one strikeout. Chayce McDermott worked one inning, and allowed three hits and one earned run with two strikeouts and two walks.

Bruján led the Mets with three hits, including a double, while Ramos went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Clifford went 1-for-4 with his first home run since July 9 at Norfolk, and two RBI. Melendez went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.

Syracuse continues its road trip against the St. Paul Saints on Thursday. Right-hander Jack Wenninger is slated to get the ball against former Worcester right-hander Jack Anderson. First pitch is scheduled for 7:37 p.m. ET.