MMO Spring Training Game Thread: Nationals vs Mets, 6:10 PM

Washington Nationals (1-10) vs. New York Mets (6-4)
Thursday, March 31, 2022 • 6:10 p.m.
Clover Park • Port St. Lucie, FL
LHP Josh Rogers (0-1, 4.50) vs. RHP Taijuan Walker (0-0, 0.00)
SNY

The Mets broke a three-game win streak last night with a 5-3 loss against the Houston Astros in extra innings. Tonight, they look to return to the (meaningless) win column against the Washington Nationals.

The Nationals, 1-10 this spring, are coming off of a bizarre day at the ballpark where they lost to the Cardinals 29-8. Anibal Sanchez started the game and allowed 8 runs in the first two innings, stayed in the game, and ended the day allowing 10 runs over four innings of work. Cade Cavalli, who pitched 2 1/3 innings, was left on the hook for 11 runs, 10 earned. Just a strange, notable box score – even for spring training.

Things were more normal in Mets camp. Carrasco pitched four innings allowing three runs and all three runs came from two homers – the exact thing that Carrasco struggled with last season. But this is also a spring training game and we are going to try to not read too much into it. Nogosek allowed two runs in the 10th, which ended up being the difference-maker. Besides that the bullpen was fantastic with scoreless innings from Ottavino, Drew Smith, Miguel Castro, Claudio and Holderman, all of whom have an ERA of 0.00 this spring. Claudio and Holderman are both competing to get a bullpen spot out of camp.

Mets Lineup

1. Brandon Nimmo CF
2. Francisco Lindor SS
3. Robinson Canó 1B
4. Eduardo Escobar 3B
5. Jeff McNeil 2B
6. Mark Canha LF
7. J.D. Davis DH
8. Tomas Nido C
9. Travis Jankowski RF

Starting Pitcher: Taijuan Walker

Note: Dominic Smith was in the original lineup, but the Nationals changed their starter to lefty Josh Rogers, so Davis will be the designated hitter.

What We’re Watching For

Taijuan Walker makes his second Spring start tonight. Last time out he pitched two innings, allowed a hit and nothing else – a great introduction to spring. For Walker last year it was a tale of two seasons. In his first 17 starts, he had a 2.66 ERA and in his next 13 starts he had a 7.13 ERA – this also probably matches your memory of watching him pitch last year.

Brandon Nimmo had a big game a couple of days ago where he had two hits, including a homer. He needed that this spring. Over 22 AB’s he has a total of four hits and a walk leading to a .182/.217/.318 – very unlike Brandon Nimmo. The games don’t count yet and there is still a week left before Opening Day. Hopefully Nimmo is able to build off that big night from a few days ago and get momentum going through this week.

Let’s Go Mets!

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