The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (54-37) concluded the six-game series on Sunday afternoon against the Syracuse Mets (44-49) at NBT Bank Stadium. Andrew Painter (3-2, 4.97 ERA) was on the mound for Lehigh Valley against Blade Tidwell (5-4, 4.75 ERA) of Syracuse.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Syracuse designated hitter Francisco Alvarez hit Painter’s four-seam fastball for a two-run home run at 402 feet to center field for a 2-0 lead. It was his eighth home run of the season.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Syracuse catcher Jakson Reetz hit Painter’s four-seam fastball for a solo home run at 377 feet to left-center field. The Mets extended their lead to 3-0. It was Reetz’s 11th home run of the season.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Syracuse first baseman Joey Meneses hit an RBI double to right field scoring Francisco Alvarez for a 4-0 lead. Shortly after the run was scored, the skies opened up and rain began to pour on the field, leading to a rain delay.
The rain did not let up, and after 30 minutes, the game was called. The IronPigs were shut out by the Mets 4-0. Lehigh Valley took 2 of 6 from Syracuse as they head into the All-Star Break.
The IronPigs finished the afternoon with four hits, committed one error, went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position, and left four men on base.
Lehigh Valley starter Andrew Painter lost his third game of the year. He pitched five innings, allowing six hits, three runs, and four strikeouts throwing 76 pitches, of which 51 were strikes. The win went to Syracuse starter Blade Tidwell.
Lehigh Valley returns to Coca-Cola Park on Friday to begin a three-game series against the Rochester Red Wings at 7:05 pm.
