Thank you to all the fans that joined us in Port St. Lucie this spring! #SpringTraining #Mets pic.twitter.com/5Wre17cc9s
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 30, 2016
The New York Mets wrap up their Grapefruit League preseason with – you guessed it – another loss.
- New York Mets 1 (7-16)
- Washington Nationals 12 (18-4)
- Grapefruit League, Final, Box Score
- Tradition Field, Port St. Lucie, FLA
Finally, it’s over.
The New York Mets ended their month of play in the Grapefruit League in jaw-dropping fashion.
There was nothing surprising about one particular play, but the extent of their winless-streak is stunning. With today’s loss, that makes 13 games on the wrong side of the scoreboard in a row.
RELATED: ‘Ya Gotta Relieve’ (Photo)
In fact, they haven’t won a game since releasing shortstop Ruben Tejada three weeks ago.
The eight innings Wednesday without plating anybody ran their scoreless streak to 23 innings before finally ending it in the ninth. This streak of futility dated back to the second inning of Monday’s game.
This scenario is certainly not how New York wanted to head into the regular season. Then again, come Sunday, their record will revert back to 0-0.
Urine Some, You Lose Some:
Matt Harvey returned to the mound after a scary scenario earlier in the week had him passing his scheduled Tuesday start, and a blood clot in his bladder
Harvey pitched two innings and didn’t exactly look his best out there, immediately surrendering a three-run homerun mashed by Ryan Zimmerman.
His final line: 2.0 IP, 2 hits, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 Ks.
In Harvey’s last five innings of work in camp, he’s allowed nine earned runs. Panic or don’t. That’s a decision all Met fans have to make in the next four days.
Matt Harvey has declined to speak after his appearance today. Supposedly pissed about the headlines and back pages. #Mets
— Kristie Ackert (@Ackert_NYDN) March 30, 2016
Was he more mad at his performance or the media? No one should care as long as he’s ready on Sunday.
Thor Prepares for Revenge:
Well, not exactly. It’s still unclear whether the Royals retaliation rumors are true or merely a bluff.
Still, Noah Syndergaard was given three innings of work, where – like Harvey – he wasn’t very impressive.
He allowed a two-run bomb to Jason Werth in the fourth inning Wednesday, the second run courtesy of Yoenis Cespedes, who grossly misplayed a ball in left-center field and allowed a lead-off triple to ex-Met Daniel Murphy.
As Thor prepares himself for his start in the second and final game of the Kansas City series, he’ll find joy knowing he ended spring baseball with a beautiful 2.61 ERA.
Pitcher of the Preseason:
This pick is certainly not an easy one, given the way Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom both performed this spring, but I’m going to go with Jake here.
Finishing with a National League-best 1.62 ERA in spring is hard to top, especially while fighting some mild velocity issues.
.@JdeGrom19 will finish this spring with an NL best 1.62 ERA. #MetsFacts pic.twitter.com/559sM8JIsh
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 30, 2016
Ballpark Meal of the Day: Hot fried chicken and gourmet cookies at Citi Field? Sign me up.
New at @Mets games this year: @davidchang & @momofuku's cookies & spicy chicken sandwich pic.twitter.com/cTvJ9GfwHV
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 30, 2016
Slippery When Dry:
This definitely makes up for the three-run bomb Zimmerman mashed today.
It happens … https://t.co/KLMVJlxp2N
— MLB (@MLB) March 30, 2016
What’s Next:
Spring training is finally wrapping up and coming to a close!
Just four days from now, your Amazin’ Mets will travel and battle the Kansas City Royals in a Fall Classic rematch and open up the 2016 MLB regular season.
Grab a beer, make some popcorn, and hunker down for what should be a thrilling year in New York baseball.
Catch the game on Sunday, broadcast on ESPN. First pitch is scheduled for 8:37 pm ET. See you there!
