The New York Mets dropped a 12-6 decision to the Washington Nationals at Clover Park on Monday in spring training play. Despite Christian Arroyo's 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI effort at the plate, the Mets could not overcome a sizable deficit. David Peterson worked 4.0 innings on the mound, allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits. The Nationals out-hit the Mets 14-11 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
Christian Arroyo was the top performer at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. His ability to drive the ball out of the park was the highlight of the afternoon. Performances like this give the Mets confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Cristian Pache provided support, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and an RBI, Ronny Mauricio also contributed, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI, and Francisco Alvarez chipped in, going 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, James Wood led the Nationals offense with a 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, and an RBI day. Daylen Lile also contributed, going 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Viandel Pena added a 1-for-2 with two RBI effort as well. The Nationals offense proved to be too much for the Mets pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
David Peterson got the start, struggling with his command, working 4.0 innings while allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits with two strikeouts. He threw 69 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Mets evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 4.3 innings of work, allowing 8 earned runs while striking out six. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions.
Among the relievers, Christian Scott stood out with 3.0 innings of 3-run work, striking out four. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Nationals got on the board first with two runs in the first inning. The Mets countered with two runs in the first. The Mets plated a run in the second. The Mets added a run in the third. Nationals responded with two runs in the fourth. Nationals pushed across a run in the sixth. Nationals plated a run in the seventh. The Mets answered with two runs in the eighth. Nationals responded with six runs in the ninth. The Nationals were able to score in five separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Nationals out-hit the Mets 14-11, with 2 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 6,052 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Mets were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.
