The Mets got rocked today by the St. Louis Cardinals to the tune of 7-0 in Jupiter, FL.
John Maine did not last a full two innings, was roughed up for 4 hits and 3 runs in 1 2/3 of an inning. Maine set down the side 1-2-3 in the first inning, but struggled in the second allowing a run to score on a wild pitch and two run scoring singles with two outs.
Maine did this a lot last year, and it's something to keep your eye on. He breezes through the first two outs of the inning and then struggles to close out the inning and pick up that elusive third out.
Scott Schoeneweis came in to relieve Maine, and did not allow a hit in his 1 1/3 inning of work.
Juan Padilla also added a scoreless inning of work in the 4th.
Nice to see Padilla put in a good inning, let's see how he pitches throughout spring training as he's on the comeback trail.
Ruddy Lugo came on for the 5th inning, allowing two run scoring singles while striking out one.
Joe Smith struggled though the 6th inning, letting 2 runs cross the plate on 2 hits and a wild pitch. Both Lugo and Smith stranded two runners on base when they closed out the inning.
These two are battling for the bullpen spot, but I don't think they're going to make the team out of ST. AAA or even AA will be in their near future, I believe.
Steven Register and Nate Field closed out the game, with both pitchers allowing a hit a piece, but not allowing any other damage.
I'm really pulling for Register to make the team right out of spring training, otherwise he heads back to Colorado and the Mets owe $50 grand.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Mets struggled mightily.
Jose Reyes picked up one of only 4 hits, leading off the game with a single.
Ryan Church added another single in the second on a swinging bunt to third base.
Fernando Martinez led off the 4th inning with a single before being forced out at second to end the inning.
Marlon Anderson picked up the only other hit for the Mets, a single of course, which came in the 6th inning.
Yes, it's early, but picking up only 4 hits against a myriad of pitchers who may or may not ever see the Major League level is pretty sad. Nice to see F-Mart pick up a hit, I guess.
