Syracuse beats Buffalo, 4-2, in game stopped in 7th inning due to injury

The score of the box

Syracuse, New York – The Syracuse Mets defeated the Buffalo Bisons, 4-2, Friday night at NBT Bank Stadium, tying the six-game series at two games apiece. The game ended early with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning after an injury to Buffalo catcher Payton Henry. As of Friday evening after the game, the Buffalo Bisons reported that Henry was “alert and adequately responsive.”

Buffalo (29-26) started the game with two runs in the top of the first inning. Back-to-back doubles from Steward Berroa and Spencer Horwitz to start the game gave the Bisons a 1-0 lead. After a Nathan Lukes walk, Orelvis Martinez hit a single that scored Horwitz for a 2-0 Buffalo advantage.

From that point on, the Bisons didn’t score again. Syracuse starter Dom Hamel ended up working five innings in his outing, allowing just two runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts. This gave the Syracuse offense ample time to get back into the game, and the Mets would take full advantage.

At the end of the second inning, Syracuse (33-21) got a point. With the bases loaded and one out, Joe Hudson relied on a fielder’s choice that scored Trayce Thompson from third, cutting the deficit to one, 2-1.

Then, in the bottom of the fifth, Jiman Choi tied the game with a solo home run in the top of the inning, tying Syracuse, 2-2. It was Choi’s fourth home run of the season, including three at NBT Bank Stadium.

At the bottom of the seventh, the Mets took the lead for good. Luisangel Acuña led off the inning with a single, followed by a ground ball from Rhylan Thomas to first base that was misplayed by Buffalo’s first baseman. This allowed Acuña to move to third base and Thomas to get to first safely without anyone being thrown out. A Rylan Bannon single quickly scored Acuña to give the Mets a 3-2 lead. A walk by Luke Ritter loaded the bases, and later in the frame, a walk by Mike Brosseau with one out turned the ball game into a 4-2 Syracuse advantage.

Then Pablo Reyes came in. On the first pitch, Reyes swung and missed. Reyes’ bat flew out of his hands and hit Buffalo catcher Payton Henry on the side of the catcher’s facemask. Henry immediately fell to the ground and was tended to by training staff from both teams and the local first responder team at the ballpark. Henry left the field on a board in an ambulance and was transported to a local hospital where he is currently alert and responsive. The Buffalo Bisons have information on their social media pages and will share more information as it becomes available.

After a delay, the game was canceled and ended early as an official game with Syracuse ahead, 4-2.

“We would like to thank the medical training staff on both teams as well as our first responders and security personnel for their tremendous and efficient work in a frightening situation,” Syracuse Mets general manager Jason Smorol said. “We wish Payton Henry, his entire family and the Buffalo Bisons organization the best.”

Syracuse and Buffalo are scheduled to continue their six-game series Saturday night. Right-hander José Butto is expected to start on the mound for the Mets. The first pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.