Syracuse defeats Buffalo, 4-2, on Friday evening at NBT Bank Stadium

Syracuse, NY – The Syracuse Mets beat the Buffalo Bisons, 4-2, on Friday night at NBT Bank Stadium, evening the six-game series at two games apiece. The game was completed early with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning after an injury to Buffalo catcher Payton Henry. As off Friday night after the game, the Buffalo Bisons reported that Henry is “alert and appropriately responsive.”

Buffalo (29-26) started the game off with two runs in the top of the first inning. Consecutive doubles from Steward Berroa and Spencer Horwitz to begin the game gave the Bisons a 1-0 lead. After a Nathan Lukes walk, Orelvis Martinez hit a single that scored Horwitz for a 2-0 Buffalo advantage.

From that point on, the Bisons wouldn’t score again. Syracuse starter Dom Hamel ended up working five innings in his outing, allowing just the two runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts. That gave the Syracuse offense plenty of time to rally back in the game, and the Mets would take full advantage.

In the bottom of the second inning, Syracuse (33-21) got a run back. With the bases loaded and one out, Joe Hudson grounded into a fielder’s choice that scored Trayce Thompson from third, trimming the deficit to one, 2-1.

Then, in the bottom of the fifth, Jiman Choi tied the game up with a solo home run leading off the inning, pulling Syracuse even, 2-2. It was Choi’s fourth home run of the season, three of which have come at NBT Bank Stadium.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Mets took the lead for good. Luisangel Acuña led off the inning with a single, followed by a Rhylan Thomas groundball to first base that was misplayed by the Buffalo first baseman. That allowed Acuña to move to third base and Thomas to get to first safely with nobody out. A Rylan Bannon single promptly scored Acuña to give the Mets a 3-2 lead. A Luke Ritter walk loaded up the bases, and later in the frame, a Mike Brosseau bases-loaded walk with one out turned the ballgame into a 4-2 Syracuse advantage.

Next, Pablo Reyes came to the plate. On the first pitch, Reyes swung and missed. Reyes’s bat came out of his hands and hit Buffalo catcher Payton Henry on the side of the catcher’s mask. Henry immediately fell to the ground and was attended to by both teams’ training staffs and the local first response team at the ballpark. Henry left the field on a backboard in an ambulance and was taken to a local hospital where he is currently alert and appropriately responsive. The Buffalo Bisons have information on their social media pages and will share further information as it becomes available.

After a delay, the game was called and completed early as an official game with Syracuse in front, 4-2.

“We’d like to thank the medical training staffs from both teams and our first responders and security staff for their tremendous and efficient work in a scary situation,” said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. “We wish the best for Payton Henry, his entire family, and the Buffalo Bisons organization.”

Syracuse and Buffalo are scheduled to continue their six-game series on Saturday evening. Right-hander José Butto is slated to start on the mound for the Mets. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.