The Mets traveled to Kissimmee tonight to take on the Astros under the lights at Osceola County Stadium. Newly anointed Opening Day starter Dillon Gee squared off against veteran right-hander Scott Feldman.
The game started as a pitchers duel, with both teams locked in a scoreless battle heading into the fifth inning. The Mets would jump out to a 3-0 lead after scoring twice in the fifth inning and once in the sixth. The bullpen would implode to the tune of seven runs in an ugly bottom of the seventh. The Mets would mount a late comeback, but the bullpen would again blow it as the Mets fell to the Astros 9-6.
Dillon Gee was brilliant, tossing six no-hit innings before being removed from the game. The Texas native struck out seven Astros, including All-Star catcher Jason Castro twice. He walked just one batter and left the game with a 3-0 lead. Gee has had a great spring and appears to be in midseason form heading into his Opening Day start.
Catcher Anthony Recker got the scoring started with a two-out, two-run homer in the top of the fifth inning. He would finish the game 2 for 4 with three RBI’s to go along with the longball.
John Lannan struggled mightily in relief, walking the only two batters he faced before being pulled. Both runners would later score.
Relievers Gonzalez German and Carlos Torres combined to surrender five runs on six hits in the disaster that was the 7th inning.
Juan Lagares continued his push for the centerfield job, going 3 for 4 with a triple, a stolen base, an RBI and a run scored. He’s hitting .302 this spring.
In the battle for first base, neither candidate appeared to separate themself once again. Ike Davis, getting the start at DH went 0 for 4 with an RBI groundout to go along with two punchouts. Lucas Duda managed just a single in four chances and struck out once.
Jose Valverde, who may get the save opportunities if Bobby Parnell can’t start the season with the team, struggled in his one inning of work. The 11-year vet allowed two runs, one of which was unearned.
What’s Next
The Mets head back to St. Lucie tomorrow to take on their Opening Day opponents, the Washington Nationals. The game will take place at noon and will feature former second round pick Cory Mazzoni. He’ll face off against Nationals stud right hander Jordan Zimmermann.
