The New York Mets (9-8-1) lost a close one as they were defeated by the Houston Astros (4-12) this afternoon by a score of 5-4. The Mets turned a rare triple play in the bottom of the sixth pictured below.

After striking out three times, Albert Almora, Jr. blasted a 3-run homer in the top of the eighth to bring the Mets to within a run. Joey Lucchesi pitched well enough for the Mets, but was not helped out by his defense in the bottom of the third.

Pitching

Joey Lucchesi continued his successful spring training, making his second start. His final line was 3 1/3 innings pitched, three earned runs, four hits, struck out four. Despite today’s start, Luchessi has been phenomenal not allowing any earned runs or base hits leading up to his pitching performance today against the Astros.

Jerry Blevins relieved Lucchesi in the third He couldn’t hold the two runners in scoring position though, and allowed two unearned runs.

Former Philidelphia prospect Jerad Eickhoff took the mound in the fifth, allowing one earned run in two innings of work.

The veteran Mike Montgomery pitched two solid innings out of the bullpen in the seventh and eighth, allowing no earned runs, two hits, while striking out two.

Offense

The Mets were only able to manage seven hits throughout the game.

Wilfredo Tovar laced an RBI double over the left fielder’s head to drive in the first run of the game for the Mets cutting down the deficit to a 3-1 Astros lead.

Top of the 8th inning, the Mets rallied. They had runners at first and second with two outs down 5-1. Albert Almora Jr. then blasted a three-homer over the left-field wall to get the Mets closer 5-4.

On Deck

The New York Mets will be playing the Miami Marlins tomorrow at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. Marcus Stroman will get another start. Stroman has had an excellent spring training. He is 1-0 this Spring, with 14 strikeouts, and a 2.70 ERA. Daniel Castano (1-1, 3 K’s, 4.05 ERA) will be the opposing starting pitcher. This game will be televised on SNY.