The Mets were dominated by veteran right-hander Carlos Martinez and the rest of the Cardinal pitching staff, only collecting four hits on the day. Corey Oswalt was very impressive in what might be his last appearance this Spring.

On the Mound

Rotation candidate Corey Oswalt took the ball for New York on Wednesday afternoon. It was going to be Taijun Walker’s turn to pitch today. He pitched in a B game back at Clover Park instead to work on his curveball.

In a 12 pitch first inning, Oswalt induced a groundout and two flyouts. Nolan Arenado reached on a rare fielding error by Luis Guillorme. He did not advance further than first base. After a promising start to the second inning, retiring both Yadier Molina and Austin Dean via the strikeout, Oswalt surrendered the first hit of his outing, a solo shot to John Nogowski. Oswalt then surrendered a single to Jose Rodon. No further damage as his fellow pitcher Martinez popped out to end the inning.

It was a very easy third inning for Oswalt, who retired the heart of the Cardinals order 1-2-3 all on groundballs. Oswalt pitched a very efficient fourth inning. He retired the Cardinals 1-2-3 (for the second inning in a row) while also collecting the strikeout of Dean, his third strikeout of the day.

Overall, Oswalt pitched very well in what might be his final appearance of the Spring. Oswalt went four innings allowing just one run while striking out three. Oswalt has turned heads with his impressive performances in Spring Training.

Jeurys Familia relieved Oswalt in the fifth inning. Familia walked the leadoff batter Nogowski but induced a 6-3 double play and struck out Martinez to end the inning. Familia continues to pitch well this Spring, lowering his ERA to 1.50. Control continues to hurt Familia, walking seven batters in his six innings of work this Spring.

Dellin Betances replaced Familia in the sixth inning. Betances walked Nolan Arenado but allowed nothing else, collecting a strikeout of Dylan Carlson on his way. Betances’ hardest thrown pitch today was clocked at 92 mph. Betances has been impressive in his last two appearances this Spring.

Miguel Castro replaced Betances in the seventh inning. Castro surrendered his first hit of the Spring, a single off Nogowski’s bat but nothing else as he collected two strikeouts. Castro’s fantastic Spring continues, he has now struck out seven batters over 5.1 innings pitched, he is yet to allow a run.

Jerry Blevins came into pitch the eighth inning, the leadoff batter Lane Thomas reached on the second error by Luis Guillorme, followed by a walk. Blevins induced an infield flyout but surrendered a two-run single off the bat of Justin Williams. A pop-up and an Andrew Knizner single forced Blevins out of the game, replaced Stephen Tarpley, who induced a groundout to end the inning. 

At the Plate

The Mets faced Carlos Martinez for the fourth time this Spring. Through the first three innings, a Francisco Lindor single and Jeff McNeil double were the only offense the Mets could manage against the veteran right-hander.

The Mets threatened offensively for the first time in the fifth inning. J.D. Davis hit by a pitch leading off the inning. James McCann followed with a single unfortunately, Guillorme grounded into a double play and Brandon Nimmo struck out to end the inning.

The Mets threatened again in the sixth inning. Lindor drew a leadoff walk and a Dominic Smith single left runners on the corners for McNeil, who struck out to end the inning.

The Mets did not threaten again in this one and went 0-9 with runners in scoring position today.

On Deck

The Mets have a scheduled off-day tomorrow but return to action on Friday evening to face the Washington Nationals. The first pitch is 6:10 pm. The game will be televised on SNY and broadcast on WCBS 880.

The Mets have not announced a starting pitcher, but the Nationals will send Kyle McGwoin to the mound on Friday.