Rochester Uses Nine-Run Third Inning to Cruise Past Syracuse, 10-1

By Christopher Drummond

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Red Wings used a nine-run third inning to overpower the Syracuse Mets, 10-1, on Friday night, securing their third victory of the six-game series.

The explosive third inning saw Rochester send 13 batters to the plate and turn a scoreless game into a rout. The Mets, meanwhile, have scored just nine total runs through the first four games of the series.

Christian Franklin and Philip Glasser each delivered two-run doubles during the inning to ignite the Red Wings' offense. Glasser added an RBI single later in the frame during his second plate appearance of the inning.

Abimelec Ortiz continued his outstanding season by belting his 18th home run of the year. The blast gave him a team-leading 73 RBIs, which rank third in the International League.

Seaver King, playing in just his second game since returning from an oblique injury, capped the nine-run inning with a two-run single.

The Mets struggled to generate offense against Rochester starter Luis Parales, who tossed five scoreless innings while throwing nearly 100 pitches.

Syracuse avoided the shutout in the later innings when Jihwan Bae drove in a run with a groundout, but that was all the Red Wings' pitching staff allowed.

After the game, Red Wings manager Matthew LeCroy praised his club's complete performance.

"We started out with a big inning scoring nine runs. That's nice," LeCroy said with a smile. "Peralta was good pitching with the lead. The bullpen obviously did a great job as well. I'm really proud of our offense and how we took advantage of some mistakes and walks. It was a big day and fun to see."

Glasser credited the team's disciplined approach at the plate for the offensive breakout and discussed embracing his versatile role.

"We just got one hit after another," Glasser said. "We were staying really patient, not chasing, and everybody was just locked in. I love being out there playing, so any position that the team needs me to be in, I'll play. Obviously there are certain positions I like better than others, but I'll do whatever the team needs me to do."

LeCroy also had high praise for Glasser's confidence and impact.

"Glasser's mindset is that he is the best player on the field," LeCroy said. "I believe that's something he can't lose. He knows how to play, and the guys actually love him. They know when he's out there something good is going to happen. He's just a great ballplayer. I believe he's going to play in the big leagues, and he's earned the right to play more, so I'm going to play him as much as I can."

The Red Wings will wrap up their homestand with two more games against the Syracuse Mets before heading out on the road.

First pitch for Saturday's game is scheduled for 6:45 p.m.