Luis Castillo shines as the New York Mets defeat Houston Astros 7-2 – MLB Update
Luis Castillo, put in a brilliant performance as he attained base all three times he hit and posted a run as the New York Mets beat the Houston Astros 7-2 at Digital Domain Park in Florida on March 9, 2011.
Castillo requires more days similar to this if he expects to be the Mets’ second baseman during the next games of spring season.
Luis strolled two times and singled to the left-field before getting a hit by Daniel Murphy, who is contending with him. Castillo was among the four competitors who played as a second baseman.
Upon his exemplary performance, Mets’ manager Terry Collins stated that, "I thought he had a good active day today, and I told him the other day I thought his energy was looking better. I told him this morning, 'You know, Luis, you've got to make the most
of your situation and your opportunity here."
Castillo went 3-for-14 in six playoffs with on-base percentage of .312 during this spring season. He missed the second base task during last year. Now he is in the last season of a $25-million, four-year agreement.
Winter-gathering draft choice Brad Emaus and Minor Leaguer Justin Turner are the next two contenders for the second baseman job, but Collins told that he expects to have the plan pointed down by sometime next week.
Josh Thole and Kirk Nieuwenhuis both struck two home-runs and Thole ended 3-for-3 with two runs and a double. Murphy went 2-for-3 as a designated hitter and had two RBIs.
Mets’ starter Chris Young permitted five strikes, as well as solo home-run to J.D. Martinez and Matt Downs, hitting out two and no walks in four consecutive innings. Young resisted from staying calm in reduced mound circumstances and didn't smash out the
split-fastball he has been functioning on.
Young further added that, "I was just trying to get a feel for the slider, fastball command, just working on some things. There were some good things, some bad things, a lot of room for improvement, but overall I feel good."
Closer Francisco Rodriguez threw just over a single perfect inning, hitting out the two strikers he faced in the seventh inning. Astros’ fifth starter Ryan Rowland Smith provided two runs, one strike and three walks in three innings. Jordan Lyles permitted
two runs and five strikes.
Rowland Smith felt himself down in the bull-pen session. He was on crest of the ball and was waiting back well, but he got out in the game which was really a disaster for him.
Angel Sanchez went 2-for-4 with a double run for the Astros but it was in vain for his team.
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