In a rain shortened game, Oliver Perez gave up 4 home runs in 5 innings, and the Indians beat the Mets 5-2 in 7 innings.
Perez pitched 5 innings, allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. Perez struck out 6. All the runs came on home runs. Victor Martinez, Asdrubal Cabrera and Ben Francisco each had solo shots, while Casey Blake added a 2-run home run. Three of the home runs came in the 4th inning.
Not good, not good at all. Yes, it's only spring training, but Perez has only one, maybe two games until the season starts, so you have to start paying attention to the numbers being put up now.
Joe Smith and Nelson Figueroa each pitched one inning in relief. Smith allowed two hits, and nothing more. Figueroa pitched a hitless inning, but he walked one, hit a batter, and balked.
As long as they don't give up runs, I'm OK with it. I think we'll see both of these guys at Shea sometime this year.
The Mets offense picked up 7 hits, 3 for extra base hits.
Carlos Beltran hit a solo home run in the top of the 6th inning off of Scott Elarton. He also struck out once, going 1-3 on the day. Fernando Tatis went 1-2 with a walk and an RBI double in the 7th inning.
Apparently Beltran crushed that ball, which is great to see. His knees will always bother him, but he still puts up numbers and wins gold gloves. Tatis has looked pretty good over the last few days.
Ryan Church ended his hitless streak, knocking a double while going 1-3 on the day. Damion Easley picked up 2 singles, going 2-3.
It's about time, Church! Get in a groove now and keep it up.
Game Ball: Beltran, I guess.
