IL1 Syracuse Mets

Espino, Chiefs Clip Knights in Opener

Published on June 22, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Syracuse Mets News Release


Syracuse, NY (June 22, 2015) - The Syracuse Chiefs beat the Charlotte Knights in the first of a four-game series, 2-1, on Monday night. Darin Mastroianni had both RBIs for Syracuse to help starting pitcher Paolo Espino get his second win of the season with the Chiefs.

Charlotte (40-30) did not waste any time getting on the board against the Chiefs. Second baseman Micah Johnson led off the game reaching on an error by Chiefs second baseman Ricky Hague. Johnson advanced around to third after a groundout and a single. With two outs and Johnson on third, Chiefs catcher Steve Lerud threw a wild ball back to pitcher Paolo Espino. Johnson took advantage of the error, hustling home for the first run of the game.

It took Syracuse (25-46) until the bottom of the fifth to even the score. Caleb Ramsey reached first on a fielder's choice. Two batters later, center fielder Mastroianni lined a double down the right-field line. Ramsey, hustling all the way, scored from first, tying the game at one apiece.

The Chiefs added another run against the Knights in the bottom of the seventh. Right fielder Mario Lisson led off the frame with a single to center field. After a strikeout, Steve Lerud singled to right field, allowing Lisson to move all the way to third from first. In the next at-bat, Mastroianni got his second RBI of the game on a sacrifice fly to right field. The Chiefs led 2-1 after seven innings.

Syracuse led heading into the top of the ninth with reliever Rafael Martin coming in to the game. Martin struck out all three batters to secure the win for the Chiefs and raise his scoreless innings streak to ten and two-thirds.

The Chiefs and Knights play the second of a four-game series Tuesday night with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. Syracuse will send Taylor Hill to the mound to face Shawn Haviland.

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International League Stories from June 22, 2015


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