The Mets (1-4-1) fell to the Marlins (2-1) by a score of 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
Paul Blackburn made his spring training debut on Wednesday, starting for New York in his first game action since August 2024 following a back injury. The right-hander worked a perfect first inning, retiring all three batters he faced on just seven pitches, all for strikes.
Blackburn, Génesis Cabrera, Kevin Herget, Anthony Gose, and Trey McLoughlin each tossed an inning over the first five frames, combining for six strikeouts while allowing just one run. The Marlins got on the board in the third when Max Acosta launched a solo home run off Herget.
The Mets tied the game in the sixth after back-to-back doubles from Chris Williams and Pete Alonso drove in a run.
Felipe De La Cruz pitched a scoreless sixth but ran into trouble in the seventh, allowing a leadoff walk to Troy Johnston before Mark Coley II crushed a two-run homer to give Miami a 3-1 lead. With two outs in the inning, De La Cruz was lifted for Ben Simon, who struggled with command, allowing back-to-back walks and a single that extended the Marlins’ lead to a final 4-1.
Daniel Juarez tossed a scoreless eighth inning, but the Mets’ offense couldn’t rally.
De La Cruz (0-1) took the loss in the loss.
On the offensive side, New York notched just one run on five hits, including doubles from Alonso, Williams, and Jeff McNeil. Luis Torrens and Hayden Senger both also contributed a hit. Juan Soto walked and successfully challenged a strike call. Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos each went 0-for-3.
One of the more interesting notes of the game is Luisangel Acuña making his pro defensive debut at third base. He went 0-for-1 in his only plate appearance.
Paul Blackburn. Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Paul Blackburn is Wednesday’s player of the game, as he impressed in his spring debut, tossing a perfect first inning on just seven pitches, all for strikes.
ON DECK
The Mets return home to Clover Park on Thursday to face the Astros at 1:10 p.m. ET. Right-hander Clay Holmes (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will take the mound for New York against Houston left-hander Colton Gordon (0-1, 13.50 ERA).
