The New York Mets were defeated by the Chicago Cubs by a score of 5-1 on Thursday night at Cashman Field in Las Vegas. They have now gone winless in their last 14 games. Said Terry Collins, “Who cares. I don’t really care.”
Paul Sewald started for the Mets in place of Jacob deGrom and the Las Vegas born right-hander tossed three shutout innings in front of his hometown crowd. He allowed just one hit and a walk and struck out three against the Cubs’ big guns. Well done, young man.
After coming in to relieve Jerry Blevins in the 4th with two runners on, Chasen Bradford got out of the jam. But Bradford got roughed up in the 5th as the Cubs tagged him for three runs including RBI-singles from Ben Zobrist and Kris Bryant.
Erik Goeddel and Hansel Robles each pitched an inning of relief and gave up a run, and Jim Henderson picked up yet another scoreless inning. Look for Henderson to be added to the active roster when the Mets play their home opener against the Phillies.
Addison Reed came in to pitch the 9th and looked strong, retiring all three batters in order. Terry Collins has already nominated him as the team’s regular setup man, and given how Antonio Bastardo has looked this Spring, sounds like a good move.
The Mets got their only run of the game in the 4th inning on a sharp Lucas Duda single to score David Wright. The big guy had three hits on the night. Catcher Kevin Plawecki, who learned that he made the opening day roster, had a pair of hits.
On Friday, LHP Steven Matz will opposes RHP Jason Hammel in the final tuneup before Opening Night on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals. First pitch is at 4:05 PM.
