Mets win series opener over Mud Hens, 2-1, on Friday night

Toledo, OH - The Syracuse Mets continued their strong road trip with a 2-1 victory over the Toledo Mud Hens on Friday night at Fifth Third Field. The Mets now have a 4-1 record during the road trip and have won seven of their nine games since the All-Star break ended.

Syracuse (49-49) broke the scoreless game in the top of the fifth inning. Dilson Herrera led off with a single, and Travis Taijeron walked. Two batters later, Rymer Liriano singled to center field to score Herrera for a 1-0 Mets lead. 

The Mets extended their advantage in the top of the seventh. Herrera doubled to start the inning, and Taijeron followed with an RBI triple to push Syracuse up 2-0.

Toledo (44-54) scored its lone run in the bottom of the seventh on a Ronny Rodríguez solo home run to lead off the inning. Victor Reyes followed with a double. That ended Syracuse starting pitcher Ervin Santana's night on the mound. In six innings, Santana allowed just five hits and one run while striking out nine batters. Ryan O'Rourke came in relief for the Mets and retired the next three batters to keep Syracuse in front. 
In the eighth, Willi Castro had a one-out single. O'Rourke struck out Dawel Lugo but walked Jacob Robson to put runners at first and second base. Tim Peterson then came out of the bullpen for Syracuse. Peterson walked Rodriguez to load the bases but got Reyes to ground out to second base to end the frame. 
Peterson then retired the final three batters of the game in the ninth after allowing a leadoff single as the Mets picked up the win. 
Syracuse and Toledo continue their three-game series on Saturday night with the second game of the series. RHP Corey Oswalt will be on the Mets. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.