Syracuse Mets Game Recap: Lorusso Homers as Comeback Effort Falls Short in Sunday Loss to Columbus

Nick Lorusso, photo courtesy of the Syracuse Mets

Box Score

Syracuse, N.Y. — The Syracuse Mets mounted a late rally but came up short Sunday afternoon, falling 5-4 to the Columbus Clippers at NBT Bank Stadium.

Syracuse (17-21, 55-58) grabbed an early lead in the second inning. Christopher Morel singled with one out before Nick Lorusso launched a two-run home run to left-center field, putting the Mets ahead 2-0.

Columbus (19-20, 60-53) answered with three runs in the third and fourth innings. Milan Tolentino’s solo home run cut the deficit to one in the third before David Fry tied the game with a solo shot in the fourth. Ralphy Velazquez followed with a home run to put the Clippers ahead 3-2.

Columbus added two more runs in the fifth. Dayan Frias doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly from Daniel Schneemann before Kahlil Watson singled home Frias to extend the lead to 5-2.

The Mets cut into the deficit in the bottom of the fifth. Andy Ibáñez singled and Jose Ramos and Shawn Ross walked to load the bases. Ryan Clifford was then hit by a pitch, bringing Ibáñez home and making it a 5-3 game. The Mets left the bases loaded to end the fifth.

Syracuse had another opportunity in the sixth, putting runners on first and second with two singles, but could not push across a run. The Mets would leave two runners on base to end the inning.

The Mets made things interesting in the ninth. Ibáñez opened the inning with a double before Lorusso singled him home, cutting the Columbus lead to 5-4. After a throwing error on a pickoff attempt and a walk to pinch-hitter Vidal Bruján put the tying run on second base, the Clippers escaped when Nick Morabito flew out and Ryan Clifford struck out to end the game.

Lorusso finished 3-for-4 with his third home run with Syracuse, three runs batted in and a run scored. Morel went 1-for-4 with a run scored, while Ibáñez went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

With the loss, Syracuse ends the set with a series split against Columbus.

The Mets hit the road next week for their first and only matchup of the season against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The series opens on Tuesday with first pitch at Vystar Ballpark slated for 7:05 p.m.

Nick Lorusso welcome week in Syracuse continues! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Y7VET2dxjf

— Syracuse Mets (@SyracuseMets) August 9, 2026