The Mets can throw some rubber around after all. Combining strong pitching with several outstanding defensive plays, the New York Mets beat the Washington National, 4-0, to take the rubber game of the three game series. Mets starter Taijuan Walker was effective leading the Amazin’s to their second shut-out in three days. Along with some timely hitting, the Mets climbed back over .500 as they await a visit from the Boston Red Sox starting Tuesday.

At the plate

The Mets were facing veteran southpaw Patrick Corbin today. With one out in the first inning, Pete Alonso drew a walk. One batter later, J.D Davis crushed a hanging breaking ball 406 feet to left center for his second home run of the season, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead.

With one out in the second inning, Jonathan Villar laced a single to left field for his seventh hit of this young season. Villar was picked off just three pitches later, the second pickoff of the game. Albert Almora grounded out to end the inning.

J.D. Davis led off the fourth inning with his second hit of the day. Michael Conforto followed this with a long double to left field, leaving runners on second and third with nobody out for James McCann. McCann drove in a run with a single into left field, extending the Mets lead to 3-0. Almora drew a walk to leave the bases loaded with one out for Walker. After striking out Walker, Corbin struck out Nimmo on a very generous call by home plate umpire Doug Eddings, limiting the damage to just one run.

On the second pitch of the fifth inning, Pete Alonso crushed a Corbin fastball 439 feet to dead center field for his fifth home run of the season. Francisco Lindor lined a single into left field, ending Corbin’s day. The Mets tagged the lefty for seven hits as his struggles continue.

New Nationals pitcher Austin Voth was greeted rudely. Davis collected his third hit of a day, a bloop single into right field. Conforto thought he had a sacrifice fly but the call was overturned after Lindor didn’t touch home plate on his slide. McCann would strike out to end the inning.

On The Mound

Taijuan Walker got the ball for the Mets today, making his fourth start in the orange and blue. On the first pitch of the ballgame, Josh Harrison roped a single into right field. This single wouldn’t hurt the Mets as Walker picked Harrison off six pitches later. Walker surrendered a walk to Yadiel Hernandez. He advanced to second on a wild pitch. Trea Turner lined out to right-field and Josh Bell lined out to second base to end the inning.

Walker pitched an easy 2nd inning, retiring the Nationals 1-2-3 on just 13 pitches. Walker induced a popup and a groundout while also collecting the first strikeout of his outing, striking out Starlin Castro.

It was an entertaining start to the third inning for Walker. Victor Robles hit a line-drive double to right center, Robles tried to leg out a triple but two perfect relay throws from Conforto and Villar prevented that from happening. Walker then surrendered a four-pitch walk to the pitcher Corbin. Harrison lined one back to Walker which deflected off his glove, meaning the Mets only got the force out at second. Hernandez then singled to put runners on first and second with two outs. Walker escaped the inning as Turner hit a deep flyball to the right field to end the inning.

Walker pitched an easy fourth inning on eight pitches. He collected a strikeout of Kyle Schwarber on the way.

On the first pitch of the fifth inning, Yan Gomes hit a screaming line drive which Lindor made a fantastic jumping catch to his left-hand side to retire Gomes. Walker needed just four more pitches to retire Robles and strike out Corbin to end the inning.

Walker retired Harrison before walking Hernandez and hitting Turner with a pitch. Walker had retired eight in a row before walking Hernandez. Josh Bell grounded into a force-out, leaving runners on the corners with two outs. On a 0-2 pitch, Schwarber hit a deep fly ball to center field which Almora made an amazing leaping catch to end the inning, saving two runs.

Walker stayed in to pitch the seventh inning for the Mets. On the first pitch, Castro hit a sharp groundball which was fielded nicely by Davis at third who threw a bullet to Alonso for the first out. Walker struck out Gomes. Robles grounded out to third base to end the inning.

This ended a fantastic outing from Taijuan Walker, his final line:
7 IP 3 H 0 R 0 ER 3 BB 4 K

Miguel Castro came in to pitch the eighth inning for the Mets, making his seventh appearance this season. He allowed a leadoff single to Andrew Stevenson. After striking out Harrison, Yadiel Hernandez singled to the center to put runners on first and second with one out. A wild pitch advanced the runners to second and third. Castro struck out the pinch hitter Ryan Zimmerman and Bell to strand two runners in scoring position.

Edwin Diaz came in to pitch the ninth inning in a non-save situation. Schwarber hit a lazy fly ball to left field for the first out of the inning. Castro lined out to Almora in center field for the second out. Alonso made a lovely diving stop to his right to end the game, securing the shutout and securing the series win for the Mets.

On Deck

The Mets have an off day on Monday before hosting the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday. David Peterson will get the ball for the Mets facing veteran Garrett Richards. The first pitch is at 7:10 pm EST. This game is televised on SNY and broadcast on WCBS 880.

The post Walker Impresses, Defense Strong in 4-0 Mets Win appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Stroman tossed eight fantastic innings and the offense did just enough, guiding the Mets to a series win in Colorado.

Stroman continued his hot start to the season, going eight innings allowing just one run while striking out five. This outing lowered Stroman’s ERA to 0.90. The right-hander has allowed just two earned runs so far in his three outings.

The Mets managed two runs on seven hits. Jeff McNeil and J.D. Davis collected RBIs. The Mets went 1-for-8 with RISP.

On The Mound

Marcus Stroman made his third start of the season for the Mets. Similar to his opposition, Antonio Senzatela, Stroman required just seven pitches in the bottom of the first. He allowed a lead off single to Raimel Tapia before inducing a 4-6-3 double play off the bat of Ryan McMahon. Stroman then got a pop up off the dangerous bat of Trevor Story to end the inning.

The Long Island native   cruised through the second inning, throwing just 11 pitches to retire the Rockies 1-2-3. Including a strikeout of Garrett Hampson, his first of his outing.

Stroman needed just 10 pitches to get through an unusual third inning. After striking out Josh Fuentes and walking Dom Nunez, Senzatela laid down a bunt that Stroman fielded and threw to Lindor. He dropped the ball on the transfer meaning the Mets were unable to turn the double play. That didn’t hurt the Mets as two pitches later, Tapia grounded out to Lindor to end the inning.

The Mets defense shined in the fourth inning behind Stroman. McNeil made a dazzling play running to his right to retire McMahon for the first out of the inning. Brandon Nimmo made an beautiful running catch in deep right center to retire Story. Pete Alonso fielded a hard-hit groundball off the bat of Charlie Blackmon to end the inning.

With one out in the fifth inning, Hampson hit a seemingly normal pop up to right field. Conforto shaded his eyes with his right hand, battling the sun before he found the ball and made a nice diving play, helping Stroman on his way to his fourth 1-2-3 inning in five innings of work.

Stroman cruised through the sixth inning, inducing a popup, a lineout and a groundout on just 11 pitches.

To begin the seventh inning, Stroman and Alonso combined for a nice 3-1 groundout retiring McMahon. The Rockies collected their second hit of the day thanks to a Trevor Story double, the first runner to reach second base for the Rockies. Charlie Blackmon would drive in Story with an RBI single to right center, cutting the Mets lead in half. Stroman bounced back, striking out C.J. Cron and Josh Fuentes to end the inning.

Stroman remained in the game to pitch the eighth inning. He made an awesome behind back stab and made a seven hopper throw to Alonso to record the first out of the inning. Stroman struck out Dom Nunez and induced a lineout off the bat of Yonathan Daza to cap off his fantastic outing.

What? @STR0

pic.twitter.com/FLYZ3uYHwK

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) April 18, 2021

Edwin Diaz came in to pitch the ninth inning for the Mets. Tapia lined out softly to Lindor for the first out of the inning. McMahon hit a deep fly ball that Nimmo caught on the warning track for the second out of the inning. Trevor Story dunked a single into center field to put a runner on base with two outs. On the first pitch to Blackmon, Trevor Story was caught stealing thanks to a perfect throw from James McCann thus ending the ballgame.

At the Plate

The Mets were facing veteran Antonio Senzatela entering his fifth season as a member of the Rockies rotation. It took him just seven pitches to retire the Mets 1-2-3 in the first inning, all on groundballs.

To begin the second inning, Pete Alonso pushed a lead off single down the first baseline. Michael Conforto followed this with a hard-hit double to right center (104 mph exit velocity) to put runners on second and third with no outs. Jeff McNeil swung at the first pitch, collecting an RBI groundout to give the Mets a 1-0 lead. No further runs would score as J.D. Davis grounded out and James McCann struck out to end the inning.

The Mets extended their lead in the fourth inning. With two outs in the inning, Conforto laced a single to right field for his second hit of the day. Jeff McNeil reached on an error by first baseman C.J. Cron. The Mets capitalized on this mistake, J.D. Davis ripped a single up the middle for his first RBI of the year, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. McCann would ground out to end the inning.

The Mets would hit Senzatela very hard in the sixth inning but would only come away with one hit and no runs scored. Senzatela would be pulled after the sixth after throwing 78 pitches.

Facing Mychal Givens in the eighth inning, Brandon Nimmo crushed a lead off single off Givens’ glove. Nimmo stole second base and eventually reached third base on a wild pitch. The Mets would not capitalise as Lindor popped up to the third baseman, Smith and Alonso hit the ball hard for their outs. Before his pop up, Lindor looked to hurt his thumb on a foul ball.

On Deck

The Mets have an off day on Monday before travelling to Chicago to face the Cubs. Taijuan Walker will get the ball for the Mets while the Cubs pitcher is yet to be announced.

The first pitch is at 7:40 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on SNY and broadcasted on WCBS 880.

The post Marcus Stroman Dazzles As Mets Claim Rubber Game In Colorado appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets were dominated by veteran right-hander Carlos Martinez and the rest of the Cardinal pitching staff, only collecting four hits on the day. Corey Oswalt was very impressive in what might be his last appearance this Spring.

On the Mound

Rotation candidate Corey Oswalt took the ball for New York on Wednesday afternoon. It was going to be Taijun Walker’s turn to pitch today. He pitched in a B game back at Clover Park instead to work on his curveball.

Taijuan Walker got through five innings and 80 pitches in today's B game. Wanted to pitch in the B game to work on his curveball. Will start again on March 29th.@Metsmerized

— Ryan Finkelstein (@FinkelsteinRyan) March 24, 2021

In a 12 pitch first inning, Oswalt induced a groundout and two flyouts. Nolan Arenado reached on a rare fielding error by Luis Guillorme. He did not advance further than first base. After a promising start to the second inning, retiring both Yadier Molina and Austin Dean via the strikeout, Oswalt surrendered the first hit of his outing, a solo shot to John Nogowski. Oswalt then surrendered a single to Jose Rodon. No further damage as his fellow pitcher Martinez popped out to end the inning.

It was a very easy third inning for Oswalt, who retired the heart of the Cardinals order 1-2-3 all on groundballs. Oswalt pitched a very efficient fourth inning. He retired the Cardinals 1-2-3 (for the second inning in a row) while also collecting the strikeout of Dean, his third strikeout of the day.

Overall, Oswalt pitched very well in what might be his final appearance of the Spring. Oswalt went four innings allowing just one run while striking out three. Oswalt has turned heads with his impressive performances in Spring Training.

Jeurys Familia relieved Oswalt in the fifth inning. Familia walked the leadoff batter Nogowski but induced a 6-3 double play and struck out Martinez to end the inning. Familia continues to pitch well this Spring, lowering his ERA to 1.50. Control continues to hurt Familia, walking seven batters in his six innings of work this Spring.

Dellin Betances replaced Familia in the sixth inning. Betances walked Nolan Arenado but allowed nothing else, collecting a strikeout of Dylan Carlson on his way. Betances’ hardest thrown pitch today was clocked at 92 mph. Betances has been impressive in his last two appearances this Spring.

Miguel Castro replaced Betances in the seventh inning. Castro surrendered his first hit of the Spring, a single off Nogowski’s bat but nothing else as he collected two strikeouts. Castro’s fantastic Spring continues, he has now struck out seven batters over 5.1 innings pitched, he is yet to allow a run.

Miguel Castro, Wicked Slider. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/tD2YFyott0

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 24, 2021

Jerry Blevins came into pitch the eighth inning, the leadoff batter Lane Thomas reached on the second error by Luis Guillorme, followed by a walk. Blevins induced an infield flyout but surrendered a two-run single off the bat of Justin Williams. A pop-up and an Andrew Knizner single forced Blevins out of the game, replaced Stephen Tarpley, who induced a groundout to end the inning. 

At the Plate

The Mets faced Carlos Martinez for the fourth time this Spring. Through the first three innings, a Francisco Lindor single and Jeff McNeil double were the only offense the Mets could manage against the veteran right-hander.

The Mets threatened offensively for the first time in the fifth inning. J.D. Davis hit by a pitch leading off the inning. James McCann followed with a single unfortunately, Guillorme grounded into a double play and Brandon Nimmo struck out to end the inning.

The Mets threatened again in the sixth inning. Lindor drew a leadoff walk and a Dominic Smith single left runners on the corners for McNeil, who struck out to end the inning.

The Mets did not threaten again in this one and went 0-9 with runners in scoring position today.

On Deck

The Mets have a scheduled off-day tomorrow but return to action on Friday evening to face the Washington Nationals. The first pitch is 6:10 pm. The game will be televised on SNY and broadcast on WCBS 880.

The Mets have not announced a starting pitcher, but the Nationals will send Kyle McGwoin to the mound on Friday.

The post Oswalt Impresses But Mets’ Bats Silent In 3-0 Loss appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Jacob deGrom exceled again as the Mets took a good look at Max Scherzer on Sunday afternoon in what could turn out to be an Opening Day preview.

The Mets jumped on Scherzer, scoring four runs off the veteran, and extension candidates Francisco Lindor and Michael Conforto both homered to cap off a solid offensive performance for the boys in orange and blue.

On the mound

The aforementioned deGrom took the ball for New York on Sunday afternoon in what could be a glimpse into the Opening Day pitching matchup between the two teams just 11 days from now. 

In a 23-pitch first inning, DeGrom allowed a single to Trea Turner and a walk to Josh Bell. DeGrom would get out of the inning unscathed, collecting strikeouts of Victor Robles and Kyle Schwarber.

In the second inning, DeGrom allowed a double to Nationals catcher Yan Gomes with one out in the frame. Gomes did not advance, as a ground out and subsequent strikeout of Max Scherzer ended the inning.

DeGrom pitched an easy 1-2-3 third inning with two groundouts and a flyout. In the fourth the right-hander allowed a lead-off single to Bell and walked Gomes with two outs before Jordy Mercer flew out to end the inning.

New York’s ace collected back-to-back strikeouts to start the fifth inning before being pulled after 63 pitches. Miguel Castro came in to replace deGrom and struck out Juan Soto to end the inning. 

Overall, deGrom impressed again, striking out five Nationals while surrendering three hits and walking two batters, and didn’t allow a run. His spring training ERA is now 0.66.

Jacob deGrom this spring:

13.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 21 SO, 0.66 ERA#Mets #LGM @Metsmerized

— Mathew Brownstein (@MBrownstein89) March 21, 2021

Edwin Diaz pitched a 1-2-3 sixth inning collecting one strikeout. Diaz has been excellent this Spring, allowing no runs in four innings while striking out six batters.

Dellin Betances relieved Diaz in the seventh inning and pitched his most impressive inning of the Spring thus far. Betances induced two groundouts and struck out Mercer to end the inning. This clean inning is his first of the spring and lowered his ERA to 10.80.

Robert Gsellman came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth inning and labored. The right-hander allowed back-to-back singles to Blake Swihart and Andrew Stevenson before walking Yadiel Hernandez to load the bases. Two runs would score on an infield single from Yasmany Tomas and an RBI ground out from Carlos Tocci.

Gsellman continued to pitch the ninth inning and immediately worked his way into trouble again. He hit the lead off batter and surrendered a double to Adrian Sanchez leaving runners on second and third with no outs. Gsellman locked in and stranded the runners on two flyouts and a strikeout to end the game. 

At the plate

The Mets threatened to score off Scherzer in the first inning. Brandon Nimmo drew a lead off walk and Dominic Smith doubled to right-center. Unfortunately for the Mets, neither would score as Michael Conforto and Pete Alonso failed to bring them home.

To begin the fourth inning, Conforto launched his first home run of Spring to deep center field. Later in the inning Jeff McNeil and J.D. Davis both collected singles leaving runners on the corners with two outs. McNeil would come around to score on a wild pitch. Tomas Nido then struck out to end the inning. 

The Mets added two more runs in the fifth inning. Francisco Lindor crushed his third spring home run of the week, a two-run shot giving the Mets a 4-0 lead. Lindor began the Spring 0-for-7, but he is now 10-for-25 with three home runs and nine RBI.  

In the sixth inning, Nationals pitcher Tanner Rainey walked the bases loaded with one out. New pitcher Kyle Finnegan immediately surrendered a two-run double to the pinch hitter Mallex Smith, Smith’s first RBI of the spring.

On deck

The Mets will travel to West Palm Beach to play the Houston Astros on Monday afternoon. The first pitch will be at 1:05 p.m. The game will be televised on ATT SportsNet and broadcast on KMBE 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2.

Joey Lucchesi (0-0 0.00 ERA) will make his second official start of the Spring coming off three hitless innings his last time out. He faces off against southpaw Kent Emanuel.

The post DeGrom, Lindor and Conforto Key Mets 6-2 Victory Over Nats appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Stroman tossed five stellar innings, however the bats could not back him up, as the Mets collected only six hits on their way to a 3-1 loss on Thursday afternoon in Port St. Lucie to the Nationals.

On the Mound 

Marcus Stroman started for the Mets, his fourth this spring. Stroman surrendered one earned run over five innings, striking out six along the way. Stroman was very efficient, throwing 60 pitches with 42 being for strikes. Stroman also only allowed three hard hit balls, and the lone run came on a wind-blown homer off the bat of Kyle Schwarber.

Once again, Stroman displayed his nasty new pitch the split change collecting strikeouts of Victor Robles and Alex Avila with it. Stroman finished off his day with two strikeouts in the fifth inning on beautiful fastballs. Per Baseball Savant, he threw six different pitches on the afternoon: four-seamer, sinker, cutter, slider, curveball, and splitter.

Stroman has a 2.70 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings this spring. After that performance, it’s safe to say that Marcus is ready for the season.

Stro, 93mph Front hip Sinker…and K hop.

Ninja K Strut rating: 8.6 pic.twitter.com/2WiY5SB4Ch

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 18, 2021

Jeurys Familia followed Marcus Stroman in the sixth inning and allowed his first earned run of the spring, surrendering a home run to Nationals designated hitter Yadiel Hernandez. Familia also allowed a very hard double to Victor Robles (109.3mph off the bat), but got a groundout and flyout ended the inning. On two encouraging notes, Familia touched 99 mph with his fastball and threw 11 strikes in 13 pitches.

Aaron Loup followed Familia in the seventh inning. On the first pitch Loup threw, Josh Bell took him deep to right field. Loup then locked in, striking out Schwarber and Avila on breaking balls and inducing a soft ground ball off the bat of Carter Kieboom to get him through the inning.

Electric Edwin Diaz came in to pitch the eighth inning and for the first time,  this spring Diaz got himself into a some trouble. Yadiel Hernandez singled and Hernan Perez doubled to leave runners on third and second with two outs. Diaz worked his way out of it, striking out Carlos Tocci on a 93 mph slider to end the inning. Diaz is yet to allow an earned run this spring in four innings.

Trevor May followed Diaz in the ninth inning, pitching 1-2-3 inning on just 11 pitches.

Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports

At The Plate

In a game where both sets of offenses’ were silent, the Mets only run-scoring action came in the first inning. Following a J.D. Davis walk, James McCann jumped on his first pitch he saw from Jon Lester, doubling in Davis, while collecting his second RBI of the spring.

A standout performer this spring has been Kevin Pillar and he continued that on Thursday with two hits. Coming off his best offensive season yet, Pillar has picked up right where he left off. With his two hits today Pillar’s spring OPS stands at an impressive .966.

After not threatening at all after the first inning, the Mets would not go down without a fight. Back-to-back singles from Patrick Mazeika and Jake Hager put runners on first and second for Wilfredo Tovar in the bottom of the ninth inning. Unfortunately Tovar grounded into a double play (the third of the day) to kill the rally and end the ball game.

On Deck

The Mets will remain at Clover Park to face the St Louis Cardinals on Friday afternoon. Taijuan Walker will get the ball for New York for his second start in spring training.

The right-hander pitched in a B game five days ago, after making his first spring training appearance 10 days ago against the Cardinals. In that outing, Walker tossed two innings allowing two runs on two walks, while striking out two batters. This game will be televised on SNY and first pitch is at 1:10 p.m. EST.

The post Mets’ Bats Silent In Loss to Nationals appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

In a game that featured five errors, the New York Mets and Miami Marlins ended in a 4-4 tie at Clover Field. The Mets, with four of the miscues, played their sloppiest game of the spring to date. On the plus side, ex-Marlin Jonathan Villar went deep for the Amazins’ who now have a 3-2-1 Grapefruit League record.

After the game, manager Luis Rojas announced that Jose Martinez suffered a twisted knee and will be reassessed on Monday.

Pitching

After a perfect first start just five days ago, Marcus Stroman struggled in his first inning of work today, allowing two runs on two hits, a walk, a HBP and a wild pitch. He did collect a strikeout of Marlins outfield prospect JJ Bleday. Stroman faired much better in his second inning, collecting one strikeout on a nasty slider along with a flyout and a groundout. Stroman would work out of trouble in the third inning, a leadoff triple from Isan Diaz and a one-out walk didn’t trouble Stroman who handled a comebacker and turned a ‘double play’ that ended up being a zero play in what was already been called one of the strangest plays of the season thus far. See video below.

Greatest double play of all time pic.twitter.com/byRNWQ8ETK

— Duck Duck Gusev 🇺🇸 (@DuckDuckGusev) March 7, 2021

Marcus Stroman, Wicked 83mph Slider…and K Strut. pic.twitter.com/fj9wF7yrgG

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 7, 2021

Aaron Loup came in to pitch the fourth inning and he was involved in much more of an eventful inning than his first appearance of the Spring. Loup allowed a lead-off double to Marlins first-baseman Lewin Diaz. Diaz would come around to score on a dropped flyball by Kevin Pillar. The next batter Chisholm would hit a sharp ground ball to Luis Guillorme who caught Monte Harrison in a rundown, Harrison would then reach third base safely after McNeil dropped the ball while trying to tag him, the second Mets error of the inning. No other runs scored in the inning thanks to a pop-up, a strikeout and a caught stealing thrown from Tomas Nido.

Jacob Barnes came in to pitch the fifth inning looking to improve on his horrendous first outing of Spring four days ago. With one out in the inning, Barnes would allow two hard-hit singles, and a second fielding error by Jeff McNeil would leave the bases loaded with one out. No runs would score ultimately as both batters would fly out to end the inning. Barnes ERA now stands at 13.50 for the Spring.

Jerry Blevins got the ball in the sixth inning and immediately walked the lead-off batter, and allowed a ‘wind-aided’ single that Kahlil Lee misjudged that put runners on second and third. Blevins then hit the next batter to load the bases with nobody out. Blevins struck out the next batter, then allowed a sharp groundball to McNeil who got the force out at third-base and botched the throw to first base, McNeil’s third error of the day. Blevins collected his second strikeout to end the inning.

Trevor Hildenberger struck out the side in the top of the seventh inning on just 14 pitches. A very impressive start to Spring training from the former Twins reliever, who has struck out six batters thus far. This was followed by an impressive debut from southpaw Daniel Zamora who allowed just one hit and struck out one in his inning of work. Stephen Nogosek got himself into some trouble in the ninth inning, issuing three walks however no runs scored as Nogosek struck out three batters in the inning that featured 36 pitches.

Offense

The Mets bats were ice cold for the first three innings, Pete Alonso collecting the only hit, a single off Marlins ace Pablo Lopez. A lone walk from Luis Guillorme would be the only other baserunner Lopez would have to deal with, helped by three double-plays in his three innings of work.

The Mets threatened offensively for the first time in the fourth inning. With one out, Kevin Pillar smoked a double off Yimi Garcia (103.5 mph off the bat), Jeff McNeil was then hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second, the hitless Jonathan Villar stepped up and collected his first hit of the Spring, a three-run moon-shot off veteran reliver Yimi Garcia (105.5 mph off the bat) to tie the game 3-3.

In the fifth inning, Luis Guillorme hit a leadoff single against new Marlins pitcher James Hoyt, he was pinch-ran for by Johneshwy Fargas, Fargas would go on to steal second base and tag-up and advance to third base on an Almora Jr. flyball. Fargas came around to score on a wild pitch by Hoyt, giving the Mets the lead in the fifth inning.

In the ninth inning of a 4-4 tie,  the Mets threatened to walk it off. Singles from Bruce Maxwell and a Caleb Joseph  left runners on the corners with two outs for newly acquired Kahlil Lee. Lee would groundout to end the inning giving the Mets their first tie of the season.

On Deck

Tomorrow the Mets head to The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches to face another division rival in the Washington Nationals. Jordan Yamamoto will start the game for New York, while Joe Ross will make his Spring Training debut for the Nationals. First pitch from south Florida is 1:05 PM.

The post In Sloppy Game, Mets and Marlins End Tied appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets took a weakened depth team to the Rodger Dean Chevrolet Stadium Wednesday afternoon and were defeated by the Cardinals 14-9.

Pitching

Non-roster invitee Jerad Eickhoff got the start today for the Mets. He allowed four runs in his spring debut including, a Nolan Arenado RBI single in the 1st inning and a John Nogowski three-run home run, leaving his spring ERA at a bloated 18.00. It wasn’t all bad for Eickhoff, who struck out two Cardinals on nasty curveballs, arguably the best pitch of his repertoire.

Jacob Barnes, who was claimed by the Mets off waivers from the Angels, struggled in his first appearance of the spring, allowing three runs on three hits. Barnes also walked two batters and hit one before the inning was ended after he reached 35 pitches. A rocky start for the waiver claim trying to break the bullpen in 2021.

It would take just ten pitches for Franklyn Kilome to set the Cardinals down 1-2-3 in his first appearance this spring. Kilome allowed two soft lineouts to left field and a sharp groundball to the first baseman Jose Martinez, Kilome touched 95 mph with his sinker.

Mets No. 23 prospect (according to MLB.com) Oscar De La Cruz threw just 10 pitches to retire the Cardinals in order, including a strikeout of Cardinals highly-touted rookie Dylan Carlson. 

Southpaw Tom Windle allowed three runs (one earned) after striking out the first two batters of his inning of work. Stephen Nogosek, who pitched in seven games for the Mets back in 2019, needed just 13 pitches in his perfect inning of work.

Finally, Marcel Renteria was the last Met to take the mound on Wednesday and he would allow a pair of two-run home runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, although he did struck out three batters in the inning. 

Offense

The Mets bats were hot early, scoring five runs across the first few frames. Newly signed Kevin Pillar continued his hot start to spring training, crushing a long triple off Kwang Hyun Kim. He was driven in by a J.D. Davis single one batter later.

That wouldn’t be the only run-scoring action for the Mets in the first inning. Luis Guillorme collected his first hit and RBI of spring, driving in Davis with a single into right field. Tomas Nido would later drive in Jose Martinez with a hard-hit single into left field.

GUILLORME DOESNT STOP HITTING pic.twitter.com/CvpOmzMNLk

— MetsFanMania (@MetsFanMania) March 3, 2021

Two Mets runs would score in the 2nd inning on a dropped fly ball by Cardinals outfielder Austin Dean.

The Mets threatened once again in the fourth inning. Pillar collected his second hit of the day, a double down the third base line. He proceeded to tag up and advance to third on a Jonathan Villar flyout, however, the Mets wouldn’t be able to bring him in as Davis grounded out to end the inning.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Mets would have the bases loaded with no one out following a Jose Martinez walk, Guillorme single and a Nido walk. Cardinals RHP Connor Jones then walked Mallex Smith, scoring Martinez. The Mets ended up stranded the bases loaded though, finishing the inning trailing by a run with a 7-6 score. 

In the top of the ninth inning, the Mets scored three, Bruce Maxwell hit a leadoff double, and was later driven in by fellow catcher Patrick Mazeika, who doubled down the first baseline. Top prospect Brett Baty smashed a two-run double into left center, scoring two more runs. Fellow top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong grounded out to end the rally, with the Mets falling short by five runs.  

On Deck

The Mets will head back to Clover park tomorrow to face the Washington Nationals. David Peterson will make his first start for the Mets while Kyle Finnegan starts for the Nationals. This game is broadcasted on ESPN. First pitch 1:10 pm EST. 

The post Game Recap: New York Mets Outslugged By Cardinals 14-9 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.