Chris Schwinden started and subsequently got rocked today in a 7-5 defeat to the Braves.

Summary

It was a tough day for Chris Schwinden today, who could not finish the third inning and allowed 4 ER in just two and a third innings pitched. He looked fairly outmatched and struggled to hit his spots.

Schwinden started because the Mets did not want the Braves to get a good look at R.A. Dickey, who instead started a minor league game. Parnell and Edgin each threw (another) scoreless inning each today. They each hold a 0.00 Spring E.R.A. Olson allowed a run in 1.2 IP off a hit and a walk, and Rauch/Ramirez each got tagged for a HR by Freddie Freeman who killed the Mets today. Bourn did the damage against Schwinden with a 3-run shot.

The offense did show up today – with Duda taking opposing starter Buddy Caryle deep in the 2nd for a solo shot, and Wright, Valdespin, Turner, and Rottino each had an RBI each. Wright and Valdespin were credited with SAC Flies. Duda and Valdespin each had multiple hits today.

Valdespin picked up his third steal of the spring today and looked good overall. On the other hand, Ike Davis was 0-4 today with 3 K’s. Mike Baxter and Den Dekker each picked up a hit off the bench.

Error by Parnell today, his first of the spring on a pickoff, but he is still sporting that sparkling 0.00 E.R.A. One DP turned and 9 men LOB for the Mets offense today.

Goat Of The Game

Chris Schwinden who still might need a little work before he gets some consistent MLB time. I do believe in him, however.

Notes

R.A. Dickey shined in the above mentioned minor league intrasquad game – pitching 8 IP with 2 R allowed – I believe only one was earned. 105 pitches, 70 for strikes.

Overall, Garrett Olson looked pretty good again today yet Josh Edgin looked sharper. Still, color me hesistant to give that lefty spot to Edgin.

Valdespin saw some time in CF today again.

Rauch’s ER today gives him a Spring E.R.A. of 7.27 while Ramirez lives with a 6.75 E.R.A.

Wright played 5 Innings at 3B today coming back in his second straight game back. He was 0-2 with a Sacrifice Fly and RBI.

On Deck

It is the Nationals tomorrow in a 1:10 game with the Mets playing the part of the home team. Jon Niese will start for us.