RECAP: @JdeGrom19 tosses 3 scoreless innings in win over Marlins: https://t.co/UebGbAtXmD #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/8m3xaLemY9
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 17, 2016
The New York Mets had the Miami Marlins reeling all game as their relief pitching denied a furious comeback.
- New York Mets 6 (7-6)
- Miami Marlins 5 (5-9)
- Grapefruit League, Final, Box Score
- Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, FLA
By Jeremy Fialkow
The deGrominator was sizzling on Thursday, while his New York Mets finished the job he started, and took out the Miami Marlins in another edition of spring baseball.
Jacob deGrom began the game with a perfect frame. Aside from a lead-off double allowed to Marlin’s juggernaut Giancarlo Stanton in the second inning, deGrom looked nearly invincible. He finished his appearance with a one-hit shutout in 3.0 innings pitched with 3 Ks.
Sure, Matt Harvey was named the Mets opening day starter, but an argument can be made that it was really deGrom who deserved the nod.
Then again, the decision likely had nothing to do with which pitcher Manager Terry Collins thinks will perform better. It just so happens Jacob deGrom’s child is due to be born Opening Weekend.
Replacing deGrom was Steven Matz, who was roughed up a bit after a perfect fourth inning, finishing with 3 earned runs on 5 hits allowed. He even lashed out after his sloppy performance.
Steven Matz fired his glove into his locker after today's game. Not pleased about outing. Cool to see that from the typically reserved Matz.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 17, 2016
Collins had previously hinted at the Mets playing two of there starting pitchers in their April 5th game against the Kansas City Royals, depending on deGrom’s availability.
Marlin’s ace Jose Fernandez was off to a blazing start, matching deGrom and then some, striking out four batters in two perfect frames.
That was until, the two-man wrecking crew of Travis D’arnaud and Curtis Granderson wanted some action. The pair accounted for all six Mets runs, each with a hat trick of RBIs to their name.
In the top half of the third inning, D’arnaud slinged an opposite-field double off of Fernandez that plated Alejandro de Aza. The very next inning, after Fernandez loaded the bases, D’arnaud exposed the young flamethrower yet again, bringing home two runs with a single. He finished with two hits in two at-bats, both against Fernandez.
Immediately after d’Arnaud’s bases-jacked single, the Grandy Man followed up with a two-RBI single of his own off of Nefi Ogando.
All six runs scored by New York were charged to Fernandez.
Next up, the Mets return to Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie to face their mortal enemy, division rival Washington Nationals. First pitch is at 6:05 PM and will be broadcast on SNY.
VIDEO: Jacob deGrom discusses retiring nine of 10 batters against the Marlins on… https://t.co/rdIbJqoNop pic.twitter.com/DIkqkqIVj9
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) March 17, 2016
#MetsWIN ? 6-5 #Mets.@JdeGrom19 looked sharp in his 3 innings of work, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 3. ⚾️
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 17, 2016
Jacob deGrom done after 3 IP and 30 pitches. Only allowed the double to Giancarlo Stanton. Steven Matz enters. #Mets 6, #Marlins 0, mid-4
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) March 17, 2016
VIDEO: Steven Matz expressed disappointment after allow three runs on five hits and a… https://t.co/JHgL8IUwPm pic.twitter.com/tU5UXYIZ0M
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) March 17, 2016
Steven Matz warming. Should be replacing deGrom next inning. Could be the formula Game 2 of season at KC, too.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) March 17, 2016
.@cgrand3 leads off as we take on Miami today at 1:05p. #Mets pic.twitter.com/4mIee2sOUg
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 17, 2016
You can listen to #Mets vs. Miami online with MLB Gameday Audio >> https://t.co/jSgJK7r59J pic.twitter.com/wcYZTE9tmH
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 17, 2016