3/17 Game Recap: Braves Edge Mets 2-1

On St. Patrick’s Day in Port Saint Lucie, the Mets (7-9 on the spring) took on the Braves (12-11 on the spring). The Braves defeated the Mets by the score of 2-1. Jonathon Niese started for the Mets against the Braves’ Julio Teheran. Coming into today’s game, Niese had not given up a run in Grapefruit League action (though he was scored upon in a pre-WBC game against Team Venezuela). The Mets had only three hits on the day.

July 17, 2012; Washington, D.C., USA; New York Mets pitcher Jon Niese (49) pitches in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Highlights:

• Jon Niese was very good through five innings of work. Niese gave up one run on a home run to Chris Johnson, and allowed 2 hits overall while striking out four and walking one. Niese’s spring ERA is now 0.71.
• Scott Rice pitched two thirds of an inning, allowing one run on one hit. His ERA is now 4.70 this spring. Rice took the loss, though he was the victim of shoddy defense (some of it his own) in the sixth when the eventual winning run scored.
• Brandon Lyon retired 3 of the 4 hitters he faced, and now has 1.59 ERA this spring.
• Pedro Feliciano pitched a third of an inning, allowing one hit and no runs. Feliciano’s spring ERA now stands at 2.70.
• Robert Carson pitched an inning and a third, allowing 2 hits. Carson lowered his spring ERA to 4.82
• Bobby Parnell relieved Carson with runners on first and third and one out in the ninth. Parnell induced an inning-ending double play, keeping the score at 2-1 going into the bottom of the ninth.
• Jordany Valdespin led off the game with a home run off of Teheran, and was on base in all three of his plate appearances, with two hits and a walk. Valdespin is now hitting .378 on the spring.
• Ike Davis had one hit in 3 at-bats.

Thoughts:

Today’s game may have represented much of what we may see in 2013. The Mets pitched well, from starter Jon Niese, right through the five relievers who worked in the game. However, the Mets could not find enough offense to break through and win the game. Jordany Valdespin continues to solidify his case to come north in two weeks, showing the he can provide both power and speed to the lineup. Jon Niese is likely on the verge of a breakout season, as he looks more and more comfortable against all hitters with all of his pitches, and may be on his way to becoming a bonafide ace.

Next up:

The Mets travel to Jupiter to take on the Cardinals on Monday. The game will not be on local television or radio. The Mets then take Tuesday off from Grapefruit League play.

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