The New York Mets (7-9) defeated the Houston Astros (7-10) this afternoon at the score of 7-4.

On the Mound:

Rick Porcello had another impressive outing on the mound on Tuesday afternoon against the Houston Astros. He allowed nine hits, struck out one batter, and allowed two earned runs. What made the difference for Porcello’s outing today was he that was able to induce three double plays in his 4 and 2/3 innings of work.

Paul Sewald got the last out in the fifth inning as he came in to relieve Porcello. His work continued into the sixth inning, striking out two batters, giving up a solo home run to Yuli Gurriel to cut the deficit to 4-3.

Chasen Shreve got the assignment for the seventh, as Astros prospect Drew Ferguson greeted him by hitting a home run to tie the game at four apiece. Shreve was successful, though, for the remainder of the inning to keep the game tied.

Pedro Payano allowed two hits, struck out one batter, walked one, and allowed no earned runs in his two innings of work. Payano earned the six-out save as well that was his first save of the Spring.

Offense:

Eduardo Nunez started off a two-out rally doubling on a line drive over the left fielder’s head. Rene Rivera singled on a ground ball to right field, allowing Nunez to get to third with runners at first and third now. The next batter, Ryan Cordell, drove in the first run of the game with an RBI single to drive in Nunez.

Nimmo drove in a RBI by doing what he does best: getting hit by a pitch with the bases-loaded, leading 2-0. Robinson Cano finished off the rally in the top of the second inning driving a base hit up the middle into center field to allow Gimenez and Cordell to come around to score and make it a four-run inning.

Nimmo ended the inning by getting thrown out at third by center-fielder Myles Straw.

Mets got their lead back right away on an RBI single from Matt Winaker to make the score 5-4. The next batter, former number one draft pick Jake Hager, singled into center field to drive in the sixth run of the game.

Veteran backstop Rene Rivera drove in the third run of the inning on a third straight base as it turned into a  7-4 lead going into the bottom of the eighth inning.

On Deck:

The New York Mets will be heading back to Port St. Lucie Wednesday to take on the St. Louis Cardinals. The probable starters will be Jacob deGrom (1-0,0.00) against Carlos Martinez (1-0, 1.93). The first pitch will be at 1:10 pm.