The Syracuse Mets may have dropped their third straight game to the Rochester Red Wings on Sunday, but the future looks bright thanks to two of the organization's top prospects putting on a show at the plate.
A.J. Ewing and Ryan Clifford carried the offensive load for Syracuse, delivering performances that have fans and scouts alike taking notice. Ewing, the 22-year-old rising star, continued his hot streak since joining the team, collecting two hits—including a double—and driving in a run over four at-bats. He also swiped a bag, showcasing the speed and power combo that has him hitting .333 with four extra-base hits, four RBIs, five stolen bases, and an .844 OPS in just 13 games with Syracuse.
Clifford was equally impressive, reaching base three times with a walk and two extra-base hits. The slugger evened the score in the fourth inning with a towering 400-foot solo home run to deep right field, then followed it up with a triple down the right-field line in the sixth before scoring on Christian Arroyo's sacrifice fly. After a slow start to the season, Clifford is now hitting .252 with a triple, six doubles, seven home runs, 21 RBIs, and an even .800 OPS—numbers that suggest he's finding his groove.
On the mound, it was a tougher day for Syracuse, but Dylan Ross provided a bright spot with two strikeouts in a scoreless inning, working around a pair of walks. Meanwhile, 27-year-old starter Xavien Curry and veteran lefty reliever Cionel Pérez made their organizational debuts after signing minor league deals last week, adding depth and experience to the pitching staff.
While the loss stings, the standout performances from Ewing and Clifford are a reminder that the Mets' future is in good hands—and that's something worth celebrating, even in defeat.
