Final Score: Mets 5 Nationals 3

The Mets (1-0) defeated the Nationals today by a final score of 5-3. 

• Shaun Marcum started for the Mets, and allowed three earned runs in two innings of work.
• Ruben Tejada hit a 2 run HR off of Stephen Strasburg in the 1st inning.
• Zack Wheeler pitched two scoreless innings, striking out two and allowing one hit.
• Jordany Valdespin had an RBI single in the fourth inning.
• Collin Cowgill had an RBI double, and eventually scored from second base on an error by Micah Owings.
• Darin Gorski and Cory Mazzoni both tossed two scoreless innings.
• Marlon Byrd went 2-2 at the plate.

My Take: This was certainly a nice way to start off Spring Training. Marcum looked good in the first inning but allowed a two run home run to Chris Synder in the second. I am not going to really knock him for having a bad game considering that it is still early in the Spring. Tejada surprised many when he managed to hit one over the left-center wall against Stephen Strasburg in the 1st inning. I don't expect him to hit too many home runs this season, but it is nice to see that he is trying to. 

As for Wheeler, he seemed like he was overthrowing the ball at first, but then he settled down nicely and ended up getting out of a few jams. The velocity on his fastball was there, and I am interested in seeing how he progresses throughout Spring Training. Valdespin had a nice RBI single in the 4th inning, but I am still not convinced that he will be making this team. There is an excess of infielders, and Valdespin would certiainly get more playing time (and development) in Triple-A. Cowgill really impressed me today, mainly because of his aggressiveness. Before this game we heard about how gritty and scrappy he is, and he proved it when he caught the first baseman and pitcher napping at first base. He ended up scoring from second, and gave the Mets some more breathing room. Marlon Byrd had a good game as well. He went 2-2, and was taken out around the middle of the game in order to allow some minor leaguers to have some playing time. If he continues to hit like this, he should have no problem earning that right field job. Finally, both Gorski and Mazzoni had very good games. I honestly don't think that either of them will be making the team, but they could have some trade value in the future.