A Meteoric Start with Home Runs and Heroics
The New York Mets showcased a formidable offensive and pitching performance in their Grapefruit League game against the Washington Nationals, emerging victorious with a 7-6 win. The game’s defining moment came early, as the Mets erupted for six runs in the first inning, powered by two home runs. Mark Vientos sparked the rally with a two-run blast to left field, marking his first home run of the spring. The hits kept coming with a single from Pete Alonso, a double by Jeff McNeil, and a walk to Luis De Los Santos, which loaded the bases for catcher Jakson Reetz. Reetz, an intriguing candidate for the backup catching role following Francisco Alvarez’s injury, displayed his power by smacking a grand slam, putting the Mets up 6-0 in a commanding start.
Holmes Continues His Spring Surge
Clay Holmes, the 31-year-old right-hander, continued to impress in his third start of spring training. Holmes issued a leadoff walk to open the game but quickly settled in, recording a groundout and back-to-back strikeouts to close out the first inning. The second inning was similarly efficient, with Holmes notching two more strikeouts, a walk, and a forceout. He maintained his dominance in the third, striking out the side with one walk, including a third strikeout after falling behind 3-0 to Nathaniel Lowe. Holmes tacked on another strikeout in the fourth before finishing his day after allowing a double and recording another out. His final line read one hit, eight strikeouts, and three walks on 67 pitches over 3.2 innings, a strong showing that bodes well for his new role.
Edwin Diaz’s Tuneful Entry
The crowd was treated to the familiar trumpeting of Edwin Diaz’s entrance in the top of the fifth inning. However, the closer started out a bit off-key, walking the first two Nationals hitters. Diaz quickly found his rhythm, striking out the next three batters to end the inning. Relying heavily on his fastball early on, he adjusted his strategy mid-count, securing all three strikeouts with his breaking ball. This performance, despite a rocky start, highlighted Diaz’s ability to regain his composure and dominate when it matters most.
Reliever Adjustments and Minor League Assignments
Reliever Grant Hartwig, who was reassigned to minor league camp earlier on Sunday, entered the game in the top of the sixth inning, replacing Diaz. Hartwig allowed two hits and walked one batter but managed to prevent a run from scoring thanks to two pop-outs and a force out. Hartwig’s stint with the Mets in the 2024 season was brief, with a 6.75 ERA over 6.2 innings pitched. His performance at Triple-A Syracuse, where he posted a 4.34 ERA over 33 appearances, suggests potential for growth and development in the minors.
Génesis Cabrera’s Rough Patch and Juarez’s Rescue
LHP Génesis Cabrera had a challenging outing, lasting just 0.1 innings. He allowed five runs on four hits with a walk, and was replaced by Daniel Juarez with the bases loaded after two runs had already crossed the plate. The situation worsened when an error by Wyatt Young allowed another run to score, and Juarez plunked Daylen Lile, narrowing the Mets’ lead to 6-4. Nasim Nuñez’s single tied the game at 6-6. Juarez managed to escape the jam after 0.2 innings, allowing one run on one hit with a walk, showcasing his ability to limit damage.
A Late Inning Thriller
The Mets reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning with a dramatic play. Travis Swaggerty doubled off the wall in left field and advanced to third on a fielding error with one out. Luis De Los Santos delivered a sacrifice fly, allowing Swaggerty to score and give the Mets a 7-6 lead, which they held onto for the win. The game’s intensity and close finish highlighted the competitive nature of spring training, providing valuable insights into the team’s dynamics and player performances as the regular season approaches.
What’s Next for the Mets
The Mets will host the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night at Clover Park, with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 p.m. on SNY. RHP Griffin Canning, competing for a spot in the starting rotation, will make his second appearance and first start of the spring. This upcoming game will be another critical opportunity for the Mets to evaluate their players and refine their lineup as they prepare for the regular season.
