Mets Strand a Dozen In Loss to Nationals

The New York Mets fell to the Washington Nationals 7-4 in a game where they struggled to take advantage of runners in scoring position. They had an opportunity to take the lead in the top of the seventh inning with the bases loaded and one out, but Kevin Parada struck out on three fastballs in the heart of the zone. They scored one run that inning on a walk, and then Diego Mosquera grounded out. The Mets also had the tying runs on in the top of the ninth but failed to score a run.

The game did start strong. Mike Tauchman crushed a double off Miles Mikolas, Bo Bichette hit a hard single up the middle, and Brett Baty brought them home on a 352-foot two-run homer hit 99.8 MPH off the bat. The top of the lineup was productive overall. Bichette had two hits with an RBI, while Brett Baty, Jorge Polanco and Mike Tauchman all had one hit. Those four are also the only ones in today’s lineup expected to make the Opening Day roster.

Brett Baty played right field for the first game this spring, and while he only saw one ball in play there, both his route and throw looked good. Jorge Polanco also played first base for the first game this spring and looked comfortable at the position, saving multiple errant throws.

Justin Hagenman had a clean first inning, striking out two, but in the second inning, he gave up a single, followed by a two-run home run by José Tena. Hagenman struck out four and walked none over three innings. His sinker and cutter looked sharp outside of the one bad pitch that led to a home run, each generating over a 33% whiff rate. Hagenman struggled to command his secondaries, leading to zero whiffs and only one chase.

Austin Warren walked a batter and gave up two hits, leading to a run. He pounded the zone but failed to generate much swing and miss. Neither hit came from a hard-hit ball. Matt Turner was the first Mets pitcher to not give up any runs in this game.

The Nationals broke the game open when Anderson Severino entered the game. He retired just two batters, while giving up four runs on four hits and a walk. He struggled to locate his pitches, leaving them in the heart of the zone. Severino’s velocity was down a tick in this game. Aaron Rozek took over for Severino to finish that inning. Tanner Witt and Ofreidy Gómez pitched the final two Mets innings without allowing any more runs to score. Gómez struck out two, while Witt struck out one.

After the Mets’ major league regulars came out in the sixth inning, the Mets did not get another hit. Ryan Clifford walked twice, and Kevin Parada walked once. Jacob Reimer struggled, striking out twice. He has struck out five times in nine at-bats in camp.

Player of the Game

Brett Baty had the loudest swing for the Mets with his three-run home run in the first inning. After the game, Baty discussed playing the outfield, saying, “It’s feeling more and more normal, just like when I played it in Double-A. I’m having a lot of fun out there.”

On Deck

Sean Manaea will make his Mets spring debut Friday, March 6, at 7:10 PM against the Miami Marlins and former top prospect Max Meyer. It will not be televised but will be on Marlins radio.

Multiple Mets will be playing in World Baseball Classic Games.

• Cuba 11:00 AM – Daviel Hurtado
• Panama 11:00 AM – Jose Ramos
• Netherlands 12:00 PM – Jamdrick Cornelia
• Venezuela 12:00 PM – Carlos Guzman
• Mexico 1:00 PM – Alex Carrillo, Daniel Duarte
• Nicaragua 7:00 PM – Mark Vientos
• Dominican Republic 7:00 PM – Huascar Brazobán, Juan Soto

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