3/28 Game Recap: Mets Fall to Nationals 5-1

In today’s game in Viera, the Nationals went ahead 2-0 in the second inning when Adam LaRoche and Danny Espinosa both launched solo homers to right field.  After a throwing error by Tapia, Denard Span delivered an RBI single and Bryce Harper lined a sacrifice fly to drive in another to make it 4-0 Washington.

March 04, 2013; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) throws during the spring training game against the Atlanta Braves at Tradition Field. Atlanta defeated the New York 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets got on the board in the seventh when Anthony Recker delivered a sacrifice fly to make it 4-1.  In the seventh, the Nationals tallied an unearned run off Robert Carson to up their advantage to 5-1 and close out the scoring.

Highlights:

• Heralded pitching prospect Domingo Tapia got the start for the Mets.  Tapia went two innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits.  Tapia had a solid first inning, striking out two, but lost control in the second.  His fastball sat between 93 and 96 MPH.  He also flashed a changeup that sat between 87 and 90 MPH.  Tapia has yet to pitch above Low-A Savannah, so take today’s results with a large grain of salt.

• In his first Grapefruit League appearance of the spring, Daniel Murphy singled to right field on the first pitch he saw.  Murphy lined out to second his next time up, and finished 1 for 3 on the day.

• Lucas Duda started at first base and went 0 for 3 at the plate.

• Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who is on the bubble for a roster spot, went 1 for 3 with a walk.

• Greg Burke, still battling for a spot in the bullpen, pitched the an inning and two thirds.  He retired all five batters he faced, striking out one.

• Pedro Feliciano, who will open the season in the minors, entered with two outs in the fourth.  He worked around an error and a single to hold the Nats scoreless.  His fastball sat between 81 and 84 MPH.

• Josh Edgin came in for the fifth and retired the side in order, striking out one.

• Jeurys Familia tossed a dominant 1-2-3 sixth inning, striking out one.  His fastball touched 97 MPH.  Familia, like Greg Burke, is on the bubble for a spot in the bullpen.

Thoughts:

It was interesting to see Domingo Tapia pitch.  He’s one of the Mets’ top pitching prospects, but has yet to pitch above Low-A Savannah (which is why today’s results should be ignored).  Tapia will likely open the season with High A St. Lucie.  He has an electric fastball and developing changeup, but he needs to improve his breaking stuff dramatically if he wants to remain a starter.

Next Up:

The Mets host the Cardinals tomorrow at 12:10 PM.  The game won’t be on local TV or radio, but can be followed via MLB Gameday.

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