In Oliver Perez's first start after going to arbitration and receiving a $6.5 million contract, he got no help from his defense in the first inning, but the Mets pulled out a win over the Dodgers 6-5 today in Vero Beach.
Perez started today's game, getting roughed up for 3 runs in the first inning. Perez went 2 innings, giving up 5 hits and 3 (questionable) earned runs. Perez walked one, and failed to tally a K. Misplays and miscommunication between Michael Abreu, Ruben Gotay and Fernando Martinez helped the Dodgers scored 3 in the first.
Perez didn't look too good, but hey, it's early, right?
Aaron Heilman pitched the third, allowing only one hit while striking out one. Scott Schoeneweis and Joe Smith each pitched an inning, allowing one run a piece. Schoe allowed 3 hits while striking out one, and Smith allowed the run on two hits.
Smith has been getting roughed up in the games so far, which doesn't look too good for him for the bullpen.
Ruddy Lugo, Stephen Register, Nate Field and Joselo Diaz finished out the game, with only Lugo allowing a hit. Lugo tallied 3 K's, striking out the side. Register struck out one, Field struck out two, and Diaz struck out one. Both Diaz and Field walked one each.
The offense picked up a bit today, tagging LA pitchers for 6 runs on 10 hits. Anderson Hernandez and Ruben Gotay both went 2-5, and scored one run. Gotay also added an RBI.
Brady Clark went 1-4, scoring once and driving in one.
Gotay limped into the clubhouse after the game, and its been reported he sprained his right ankle while sliding into home plate. He is unable to put pressure on the foot, but hopes to be back in a few days. A lot of guys are going to get their chance to prove themselves with all of these injuries going around.
Anderson Merchado went 1-2 with a walk, and scored twice. Fernando Martinez also picked up a hit. Angel Pagan continues to deliver, going 3-5 and drove in 3 runs. Pagan also snagged a stolen base, when he took second base in the 5th inning. He's batting .412 so far in spring training.
The B-squad went out and performed fairly well after a few first inning defensive mishaps. It's nice to see the young guys get their shot, and they will continue to play with all the injuries to the veterans.
