You know its Spring Training when the game ends in a tie, and that is exactly what happened to the Mets today as they ended the game with the Nationals in a 5-5 tie in the tenth inning. The Mets potential bench men had good days again. The competition is really getting tight to make it on the bench because very few of the bench hopefuls are making mistakes (now if that can transmit to our fifth rotation spot pitchers, that would be awesome). Here are some numbers from today's game:
The Good:
Sullivan 3-4, R, RBI, 2BB
Anderson 3-4
Church 2-4, RBI
Evans 2-4, 2R, RBI, BB, 2B, 3B
Murphy 1-1, RBI
Kunz 2.0 IP, K
Cherry 1.0 IP, BB
Villone 1.0 IP, Perfect
The Bad:
Maine 3.0 IP, 5H, 5 ER, 2BB, 2K, 2HR
Mackowiack 0-3
Green 1-5
Valentine 0-3
Reed 0-2
To start of commenting on the pitching. After Maine's rought start, things really started to go well for the Mets as the next 6 innings saw 5 pitchers, and no one gave up runs. I wanted to be a little selective instead putting down everyone, I put down pitchers that didn't allow hits. I was very proud of Kunz today because he usually struggles against big league talent, but not today. I am very curious to see how he does in the minors this year because I think Holt, Niese, Parnell, and Gee will take some pressure off of him to peform at a top notch prospect level.
How about Anderson and Sullivan today. They were on fire. Evans also turned it up as he really needs to perform to make this team. Mackowiack cooled off after a hot weekend and same with Valentine and Reed. On the whole for the Spring though, it is amazing how these guys are hitting. and thanks to the WBC, they are seeing a lot more playing time. On that topic, thanks to the Netherlands, we will be getting are “leadoff” man back in a few days and that means that we get to see Manuel play with this lineup again and see what happens when Church, Murphy and Castillo hit in different places around Reyes, who will be hitting in different places.
