The Mets staff combined to pitch a two-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Ryan Church and Marlon Anderson collided and had to leave the game in the Mets first win in spring training.
Anderson and Church collided while chasing an Andruw Jones shallow fly ball. Both players remained on the ground for some time, and when Church got to his feet was wobbling and needed to be helped off the field. He was diagnosed with a concussion while Anderson is said to have a contusion on his chest.
Jon Niese made the start for the Mets, walking one and striking out three in 2 innings of work. Niese, who will probably start in AA is said to be one of the Mets top pitching prospects after the Johan Santana trade.
Niese is said to have a sick 12 to 6 curve ball, which is especially surprising from a left handed pitcher.
Jorge Sosa, Willie Collazo, Brian Stokes and Matt Wise each pitched an hitless inning of work. Only Collazo allowed a base runner, walking one. Sosa, Stokes and Wise each tallied a strike out. Wise earned the win for his work in the 9th inning. Pedro Feliciano allowed the only two hits for the Dodgers in the 4th inning, he also struck out one.
I'm unsure of Wise, especially with younger guys like Stephen Register in camp, but with more performances from the bullpen pitchers like today, it's going to be a mighty tough choice for Willie Randolph and Omar Minaya.
Brady Clark was the hero of today's game, who got plunked with the bases loaded in the 9th inning to drive in the winning, and only, run.
With Carlos Delgado heading back to NY for an MRI on his right hip, I think we can see a spot for Clark to get more time while Anderson and Easley fill in at first to keep Delgado fresh through ST. Clark will get his chance to see if he can catch on with the team.
Angel Pagan picked up half of the teams hits, going 2-3 on the day. Ruben Gotay walked twice today. Ezequiel Carrera also walked twice for the Mets, and according to Mets Today, made a "Endy-like, game-saving catch in the 8th to keep the Dodgers from scoring."
Another fairly stagnant day from the offense, but good to see some uncommon guys tallying up numbers in the box score and making plays in the field.
