The New York Mets dropped a 3-2 decision to the Washington Nationals at Clover Park on Saturday in spring training play. Despite Nick Morabito's 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI effort at the plate, the Mets could not pull even when it mattered. On the mound, Tobias Myers turned in a solid outing, working 3.0 innings of 1-run ball with four strikeouts. The Nationals out-hit the Mets 6-5 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
Nick Morabito was the top performer at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI. His aggressive approach at the plate paid dividends. Performances like this give the Mets confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Mark Vientos provided support, going 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI, Mike Tauchman also contributed, going 1-for-2 with a double, and Ji Hwan Bae chipped in, going 1-for-1. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Warming Bernabel led the Nationals offense with a 1-for-2 with an RBI day. Brady House also contributed, going 2-for-3 with two doubles. Nasim Nuñez added a 1-for-3 with a double 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
Tobias Myers took the loss after putting together a workmanlike effort, working 3.0 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits with four strikeouts. He threw 46 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 6.0 innings of work, allowing 2 earned runs while striking out four. 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. PJ Poulin recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Joey Gerber stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Nationals got on the board first with a run in the third inning. Nationals pushed across a run in the fourth. Nationals plated a run in the sixth. The Mets answered with a run in the seventh. The Mets tacked on a run in the eighth. The Nationals were able to score in three separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Nationals out-hit the Mets 6-5, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 5,962 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.
