The Mets wasted no time in putting away the Baltimore Orioles in impressive fashion to begin the Exhibition Season. Surprisingly, it was Luis Castillo who led the charge with two big hits and four RBI’s.
The game started off with a scare when Mets starting pitcher Sean Green left the game after getting just two outs in the first inning with a hand injury that was later diagnosed as a cut finger. He was followed by Pedro Feliciano and Duaner Sanchez who was hit hard and tagged for a couple of runs after walking the first two batters he faced.
After Sanchez, Valerio De Los Santos took over and allowed another run to score, but the Orioles would be shutdown for the next five innings thanks to solid performances by former Yankee Matt DeSalvo, Brian Stokes and Rule 5 pick Darren O’Day. Elmer Dessens pitched the final inning and loaded the bases, but escaped with no harm done. All in all it was a good day for the Mets pitchers.
At the plate, besides the mighty bat of Luis Castillo who I already mentioned, Ryan Church also had a big day driving in three runs on two hits. Angel Pagan who surprised the Mets with a great spring last season, got off to another great start with a three hits, a walk and a run scored.
Nick Evans also had three hits as well as three runs scored as he begins to build a case for a roster spot. And even Dan Murphy kicked in a couple of hits as he tries to reward Jerry Manuel’s faith in his ability.
The core players; Wright, Reyes, Delgado and Beltran sat this one out, so it makes the offensive output today all the more impressive.
Feliciano picked up the win in relief, and both Murphy and Pagan picked up outfield assists in the game.
This game was filled with positives… Game ball goes to Luis Castillo… Lets Go Mets!
