B-Mets split double dip in Reading

8/4/2012 (Updated 10:55:24 PM)

READING, PA -- The Binghamton Mets used five extra-base hits to kick off their doubleheader against the Reading Phillies with a 7-2 win, but mustered just three singles in a 3-1 loss in the nightcap on Saturday night at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The B-Mets rode a five-run fifth inning and a strong performance by starter Greg Peavey to a victory in the opener. Binghamton racked up four doubles and one homer and Peavey tossed his second career complete game to secure their sixth straight win in a doubleheader contest.

Binghamton grabbed a two-run lead in the second against starter Julio Rodriguez. With the bases loaded, Wilfredo Tovar dumped an RBI single into center and Peavey followed with a run-scoring fielders choice to give the B-Mets a 2-0 advantage.

Reading quickly erased the deficit in the bottom of the frame. Leandro Castro laced a one-out double down the third base line and scored on a single by Brandon Tripp. After a single put two aboard, Troy Hanzawa sent a chopper to second that had double play potential. Shortstop Tovar got the first out, but his low throw to first skipped past Jefry Marte and allowed Tripp to score the tying run.

The game remained tied until the B-Mets offense unloaded on Rodriguez (6-5) in the fifth. Following a one-out walk to Juan Lagares, the B-Mets kicked off an extra-base hit parade, tagging Rodriguez for three consecutive doubles.

Reese Havens drove in Lagares with a two-bagger to left center and Wilmer Flores doubled Binghamtons lead with another one in the same spot. Eric Campbell made it a three-run lead by shooting a double to the right field alley. Dustin Martin capped the frame by blasting a two-run homer to right center, his third homer as a B-Met. The bomb extended his hitting streak to nine games.

The second inning proved to be the only blemish for Peavey (5-7). The righty did not face more than four batters in any of his final five innings. He scattered seven hits, induced two double plays and struck out four in his second career seven-inning complete game.

The B-Mets failed to carry over their power into the nightcap. They were held to just three singles and had only five batters reach base in a 3-1 loss. Jordan Whatcott, Kyle Simon and Tyler Knigge kept the Binghamton offense in check to secure the doubleheader split.

After spot starter Armando Rodriguez recorded two quick outs in the third, Darin Ruf broke the scoreless game by launching a 2-2 pitch into the left field seats. The drive was his 21st of the season, tying him for the league lead. DArby Myers followed in Rufs footsteps and doubled the R-Phils lead with a solo homer in the fourth against Rodriguez.

Jeff Kaplan, pitching for the first time since May 20, allowed one run on three hits in the fifth and Brad Holt navigated around a single and a walk in a scoreless sixth.

After five lackluster offensive innings, Binghamtons only threat materialized in the sixth. Simon fell into trouble and issued a pair of two-out walks to Wilmer Flores and Raul Reyes. Allan Dykstra stroked a long fly ball off the base of the right field fence, plating Flores from second. The rally ended abruptly as Dykstra was thrown out at second by right fielder Leandro Castro. The B-Mets went down in order against Knigge in the seventh.

Rodriguez (2-2) suffered his second loss while Simon (1-0) collected the official scorer-awarded win. Knigge earned his second save.

The B-Mets (54-59) search for the series split Sunday evening at 6:05 PM. LHP Mark Cohoon takes the ball against RHP Brody Colvin.

(Courtesy: B-Mets)