The Mets (4-6) defeated the Nationals (4-3) by the score of 11-9 today at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie. For more on Thursday’s victory, check out MLB.com.
Jacob deGrom picked up where he left off.
The reigning National League Rookie of the Year looked fantastic today, allowing two runs in three innings while striking out five batters. DeGrom featured a mid-90s fastball with great tailing action, striking out two batters in the 1st inning and three in the 2nd.
In the 3rd frame, deGrom worked on his off-speed pitches and, while we was knocked around a little bit, that should be discounted as he was throwing one breaking ball after another in the inning.
Juan Lagares looks like a leadoff hitter.
Barring any sort of unexpected roster move, Juan Lagares is the Mets likely leadoff hitter on Opening Day, and, if that’s the case, he appears to be ready for it. Lagares went 3-for-4 at the plate on Thursday, raising his Spring Training batting average to .412.
In six games so far this Spring, Lagares has gotten on base nine times in 19 plate appearances, good for a .474 on-base percentage. While the sample size remains incredibly small, and in games that are meaningless come the regular season, it’s a nice to see Lagares start off well.
What I’d still like to see Lagares do as the leadoff man is to try and make some noise on the base paths. Lagares has yet to attempt a stolen base this Spring.
Michael Cuddyer showed some power.
Offseason acquisition Michael Cuddyer showed off the power for the first time today, blasting a home run to left field in the 3rd inning. As the Mets only big-ticket acquisition during the offseason, Cuddyer is going to be relied on to bring balance and drive in runs in this Mets line-up.
Cuddyer, who I suspect will protect Lucas Duda in the line-up batting fifth, will be a welcome sight to the Citi Field faithful if he can stay healthy and consistently drive in runs, all while hitting the occasional long-ball over the now not-so-ominous fences.
Other Notes:
Curtis Granderson clubbed his first home run of the Spring and drew a walk batting second.
Steven Matz looked impressive again, allowing a run in three innings. Matz told reporters after today’s appearance that he would rather start in the minors than relieve for the Mets.
Matt Reynolds keeps on hitting, delivering again with an RBI knock as a pinch-hitter in the 8th inning of Thursday’s victory. Reynolds is batting .500 so far in Spring Training.
The Mets exploded for nine runs in the 8th inning, driven in by Wilmer Flores, Johnny Monell, Eric Campbell, Matt den Dekker, Alex Castellanos, Brandon Allen and Matt Reynolds.
Dario Alvarez, fighting to make this Mets roster as the second left-handed reliever, struggled mightily in the 9th inning today, allowing four runs on a hit and three walks while retiring no batters.
The Mets host the Atlanta Braves at Tradition Field tomorrow afternoon, with Jon Niese on the mound at 1:10 PM.
Just Mets 