Talk about an unexpected dramatic and dominating performance… New York Mets right-hander Seth Lugo was all that and more tonight, as he out-pitched Felix Hernandez in a World Baseball Classic matchup pitting Puerto Rico against Venezuela.
Lugo, 27, was brilliant against a strong Venezuelan lineup, tossing 5.1 scoreless innings and allowing just one hit (a single), no walks and striking out three including big-leaguers Martin Prado and Victor Martinez,
With Robert Gsellman expected to earn the number five spot in the rotation, however Lugo will still play a vital role for the Mets this season.
If Lugo makes the opening day roster, he’ll be a spot starter who should get plenty of work in the bullpen. If he starts the season in Triple-A he’ll be able to start every five days and give the Mets some valuable depth.
Making his major league debut last season, Lugo showed he was ready to pitch at this level, making 17 appearances, including eight starts, and posting a 2.67 ERA and 1.094 WHIP in 64.0 innings pitched.
His performance tonight certainly helped his case to make the team out of camp. He displayed the same grit and pitching savvy we saw a lot from him last season. Excellent job tonight by this talented young man.
Mets infielder T.J. Rivera played a key role in he Puerto Rican victory as well, knocking in the first run with a sac fly and ending the game with a two-run homer giving Puerto Rico the 11-0 mercy rule win.
(Photo Credit: MLB)
