Mike Pelfrey continued his mighty struggles this spring as he failed to make it out of the third inning today.
Summary:
Today’s game was just about the opposite of that of yesterday’s. Instead of strong starters, both Pelfrey and Livan Hernandez got hit hard. Instead of all of the games runs being the fault of the bullpen, Only two runs were scored on either side after the third inning. Finally most apparent, instead of a low scoring game where every run counts, it was a slugfest featuring five home runs.
The Mets were first to strike with a solo shot by Ronny Cedeno in the top of the first. That early lead however would be very short lived as the Astros would respond by getting four runners on-base in the inning and scoring two runs.
The Mets put up a three spot in the top of the second, but the big story of this game was the bottom half of the frame, when the Astros put up a five spot against Pelfrey and scored again against him in the third before finally being removed. He ended the day with 2.2 innings, 8 hits, eight earned runs and four walks.
After this, the game was all but over as the Amazin’s fell 9-5, dropping to 3-11 this spring.
Goat Of The Game:
Mike Pelfrey, for continuing to look absolutely lost. He is looking more and more like the fifth starter going into the season. If he keeps this up he’ll be gone before the 4th of July.
Notes:
Boy does Pelfrey look just terrible. He appears to be getting worse, not better. He now has given up 16 runs in 9 2/3 innings this spring; not exactly a comforting statistic. Harvey, Wheeler and Familia can’t come soon enough.
Fernando Martinez wasn’t looking so sharp at the plate for the Astros as he struck out three times today. He now has a .190 average this spring. Maybe there isn’t much left in the tank for him.
On Deck:
The Mets have an off-day tomorrow, but Tuesday they will send Johan Santana to the hill for his fourth game against the reigning world-champion St. Louis Cardinals.
