New York Mets face 2-9 defeat against Detroit Tigers at 2012 Spring Training - MLB Update
Reliever Danny Herrera cost New York Mets a 2-9 defeat against Detroit Tigers as he leaked five earned runs in little more than one inning at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida on April 1, 2012 during their Grapefruit League clash.
Mets starter R.A. Dickey did his part, restraining hitters to just three hits in four innings he threw and brought three strike-outs.
He rightly employed the knuckler in an attempt to beat batters and since he is an only active player who can throw this and mostly hitters are unaccustomed to it, he survived successfully.
However, Tigers consistent performer throughout Spring Training, Prince Fielder, did not shy to hit him a thumping homer on a knuckle-ball, the only run Dickey gave up.
"Dickey has a really good knuckleball," Fielder said. "For me, his knuckleball is not the normal one. It's faster, so I try to look at it more as a cutter because if you wait too long it cuts in or sinks away."
As soon as Dickey left the mound, Tigers seized upon their relievers and drew seven runs from them in six.
Thus, hapless Mets' Jon Rauch turned out in the game that he was immediately called back from the mound even when he had not completed a single inning. He gave up three runs including a homer.
As pundits are not expecting much from Mets this year, a humiliating 2-9 defeat will go on to re-enforce their perceptions.
Tigers’ catcher James McCann while taking lead to unassailable level connected a grand-slam hit. On four at-bats, he made three hits, added four RBIs and completed one run.
Their third baseman, Don Kelly struck one hit in four at-bats and brought three RBIs as a result.
In a stark contrast to Tigers’ 13 hits in the game, as the Mets managed a meagre two hits, something showing their inability to stand against quality pitches.
Tigers’ starter, Thad Weber, was accorded the win as he threw five innings and struck-out two.
Mets weakness in every department of the play remains unaddressed even as Spring Training winds up.
While largely relying on youth without any veteran on a critical shortstop position, it will take something out of the ordinary to happen for them winning a wild-card spot let alone Division Championship this year.
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