The Mets were blown out by the Cardinals at First Data Field by a score of 15-5 on Friday afternoon. (Box Score)

Pitching

Hector Santiago started for the Mets today and did not inspire much confidence for the seventh bullpen spot. He allowed three baserunners in the first but got out of the jam thanks to a base running blunder from Harrison Bader.

In the second, he gave up two runs thanks to a walk and a couple of hits from Kolten Wong and Tommy Edman. In the third, he served up a homer to the recently extended Paul Goldschmidt. He then walked Marcell Ozuna, gave up a double to Paul DeJong, and a two-run single to Yadier Molina. His final line was: 3 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, K. His fake ERA shot up to 11.17.

Ryan O’Rourke pitched a scoreless fourth inning, potentially giving him a slight edge for the last bullpen spot. His spring ERA is 1.74 in 10.1 innings.

P.J. Conlon pitched the fifth and gave up four hits, two runs, and a walk. Adonis Uceta, who missed most of 2018, gave up a run in the sixth inning. He also worked the seventh inning and gave up an unearned run in that frame.

Joe Cavallaro pitched the eighth and struggled mightily. He gave up a homer to Ozuna, and gave up five hits all told. His velocity was not very impressive either.

Sean Burnett got the ninth and gave up two runs in the blowout.

Offense

Jeff McNeil homered to lead off the game, his third of the spring. Friendly reminder that he hit 19 in the minors last season so it’s quite probable he hits for more power this season.

In the second, the Mets loaded the bases and Ronny Mauricio hit a sacrifice fly. Friendly reminder that he is 17 years old and will be in Columbia to begin this season. Pete Alonso drove in another run later in the inning to give the Mets a brief lead.

In the seventh, Tomas Nido brought in a run on a double play. Amed Rosario had a RBI single and played nine innings in the field for the second straight day.

Among the notable performances, Keon Broxton went 1-for-3 with a walk (team leading 9th this spring, Alonso went 2-for-5, and McNeil went 3-for-5.

On Deck

The Mets play a night game at 6:05 p.m. against the Astros in West Palm on Friday. Jason Vargas will get his final tuneup before the season in that one.