New York Mets decimate Miami Marlins 7-0 in Spring Training - MLB Update
Justin Turner hit a homer and contributed three RBIs to help the New York Mets dominate the Miami Marlins 7-0 in their Grapefruit League clash on March 7, 2012 at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.
Mets took the lead in the first inning and then there was no looking back. At the back of three runs ahead until the fourth, Turner came and put the last nail in the Marlins’ coffin by adding three more, taking it effectively to six.
While Turner, Josh Thole, Mike Nickeas piled runs for Mets, starter Jonathon Niese threw furious pitches at Marlins’ batters. Shredding nervous feelings he was overwhelmed before the match, he impressed everyone with his composure on the mound.
"His command was outstanding," Mets’ manager Terry Collins said. "He kept the ball down. He's got outstanding stuff and when he pounds that strike zone he gets easy outs."
Confronting seven batters, giving one walk and two strike-outs while sending 19 of 31 pitches, Niese proves his Big League credentials. "He showed everybody that he belongs in the big leagues,” Collins said.
Jose Reyes missed the game and it proved hard for Marlins as they could not manage even a single run. Reyes, an erstwhile Mets, who has just joined Marlins after signing a $106 million six year contract may not have allowed Niese to undo the Marlins’ hitters
as easily as he did.
Reyes is preparing for upcoming matches and despite going hitless in the last game he played against Detroit Tigers he vows he will be at his best in the regular season.
Vacuum left by Reyes absence in Mets’ ranks is likely to be filled by Ruben Tejada who drew two walks and completed one run going 0-for-1 in the play. Though not as talented as Reyes, manager Collins is fairly pleased with his role so far and says that he
is certainly on their schedule.
Energy with which Niese threw balls was so much that it took four innings before Marlins were able to connect and find the hit. Donnie Murphy was the player who broke the drought and added a double to left for the Marlins.
Loss against Detroit Tigers and then against Mets is going to dent Marlins confidence for some time now. Unless someone like Reyes stands up and delivers a stunning performance, demoralised feelings can derail their whole process of preparation for the upcoming
regular season.
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