Gorski holds off Portland; B-Mets win

8/25/2012 (Updated 8/26/2012 12:53:58 PM)

PORTLAND, ME  Darin Gorski matched a season-high with nine strikeouts and surrendered only one run to lead the Binghamton Mets past the Portland Sea Dogs in a 5-1 win Saturday night at Hadlock Field. The B-Mets collected ten hits, highlighted by a two-run homer by Reese Havens, to snap Portlands six-game winning streak.

The Sea Dogs needed a break in the first to score their only run against Gorski. With two outs and Jeremy Hazelbaker on first, Bryce Brentz lifted a high, fly ball to right. Dustin Martin got a late read and it landed inside the line for a single, bringing Hazelbaker home.

After stranding a runner at third in the first two innings, the B-Mets cracked the scoreboard in the third against starter Drake Britton. Allan Dykstra drove in Wilmer Flores from first by blasting a double to the right field alley. Dykstra came home with the go-ahead run when shortstop Xander Bogaerts booted a groundball by Jefry Marte later in the frame.

Given the lead, Gorski cruised through the middle innings. After allowing a single to Derrik Gibson in the second, the southpaw retired 12 straight Sea Dogs, needing just 38 pitches over the stretch.

The B-Mets added to their lead and chased Britton from the game in the fourth. After two consecutive one-out singles, the southpaw walked Pedro Zapata to load the bases. Havens rolled a ground ball to short, but beat out the potential double play, allowing a run to come home. Will Latimer replaced Britton and got the final out of the frame.

In the top of the sixth, Havens snapped a slump to give Gorski extra breathing room. With a man aboard, Havens ended an 0-for-21 slide by blasting his tenth home run of the season over the right field wall, kicking Binghamtons lead to four.

Bryce Brentz snapped Gorskis impressive stretch in the sixth with a two-out single. Travis Shaw walked to extend the threat, but the B-Mets starter induced Boagaerts to line out to end the inning.

The lefty finished his solid start with a bang. With a runner aboard in the eighth, Gorski racked up his ninth strikeout, painting the outside black against Jeremy Hazelbaker. Ryan Fraser got the final out of eighth and tossed a scoreless ninth to secure the victory.

Gorski (9-7) earned his third win in his last four starts, allowing one run on five hits over 7-2/3 innings. Britton (4-6) lasted just 3-2/3 innings, surrendering three runs (two earned) on five hits. Latimer and Ryan Pressly combined for the final 5-1/3 for Portland.

The B-Mets (64-69) look for the series split Sunday afternoon at 1:00 PM. RHP Greg Peavey takes the hill against RHP Jeremy Kehrt.

(Courtesy: B-Mets)