The luck of the Irish was apparently not on the side of the Amazin’s today as the bullpen failed to capitalize on a dominant performance by Jon Niese.
Summary:
Jon Niese and the Mets took the field today donning green jerseys in honor of St. Patty’s Day. Niese and the Braves’ Kris Medlen were locked in a pitcher duel, both having scoreless outings. Niese would go 5 1/3 shutout frames, scattering six hits while walking none and punching out three.
The game continued on scoreless until the bottom of the 6th when the Mets were the first to draw blood in the form of a 2-run single by the Irish boy Daniel Murphy. Murphy would go 2-3 on the day and is now batting .320 this spring.
Rauch and Francisco put up scoreless outings as it appeared the Mets had this one wrapped up; but as most spring training games go, this one was decided late. Chuck James faced four batters, giving up two singles while retiring two and was replaced by Ramon Ramirez. With two out and runners on first and second, Ramirez came in and surrendered a single, a double, and most importantly the lead. The Braves would take a one run edge over the Mets and win in a 3-2 final.
Goat Of The Game:
Ramon Ramirez for blowing the game. He now has an 11.25 ERA in four games this spring.
Notes:
Niese looked very strong today. His ability to buckle down with runners on has greatly improved and I am very excited to see him in 2012. He’s primed for a breakout year.
The defense was encouraging as they turned three double plays today, one including Daniel Murphy.
Danny Herrera pitched a scoreless 9th, and continues to sport a spotless 0.00 ERA. He has a good chance of breaking camp if he keeps it up.
On Deck:
Mike Pelfrey looks to provide some sign of life as he takes on former-Met Livan Hernandez and the Astros in a Sunday matinee tomorrow at 1:05 PM.
