Washington Nationals defeat New York Mets 6-5 – MLB Update
National League East franchise Washington Nationals overpowered their division rivals New York Mets 6-5 in a confrontational split-squad meeting in Grapefruit League on Thursday, March 10 at Space Coast Stadium in Florida.
Nationals’ veteran right-handed pitcher Chad Gaudin and Adam LaRoche outclassed opponents paving the road to another victory.
Gaudin pitched five splendid innings striking-out six while allowing just four hits. The 27-year-old also proved himself a strong contender for the fifth spot in the rotation. He continued his good performance that he earned in the last two games allowing
just seven runs in six innings.
Nationals’ manager Jim Riggleman provided a positive signal to Gaudin commenting, “He's throwing the ball well, and he's going to make it really a tough call for us. We're letting him compete for that job, but anybody who isn't that fifth starter is going
to be a candidate for the bullpen.”
"I know I'm here to compete for it," Gaudin said. "I've been in this situation a couple of times and fared not so well. I'd love to make the club as a starter and that's what I'm here to do."
Tyler Clippard provided the most score from the Nationals allowing four runs on three hits including one home-run posted by Mets’ infielder Lucas Duda in the ninth inning that cost three-runs. However, Clippard managed to strike-out two batters in the sole
inning he pitched.
At bats, Washington’s first run was scored by centre-fielder Nyjer Morgan in the first inning followed by short-stop Ian Desmond’s two runs that put the club on a 3-0 surplus. First baseman LaRoche hammered a ground ball to earn two bases in the fifth inning.
Jason Werth who made his return from injury made two RBIs along with two walks in two at-bats.
Mets’ Mike Pelfrey threw four innings and consumed four valuable runs on three hits. However, Pelfrey bounced back and retired the next 10 batters. He managed two walkouts and one strike-out. The 25-year-old relief pitcher Manuel Alvarez allowed two runs
on three hits in one inning while striking-out one.
Mets remained scoreless in six innings until second baseman Daniel Murphy hammered to earn one run in his fifth at-bat. Mets bounced back in the ninth inning posting four vital runs but failed to make a fifth to level the game. Ruben Tejada, Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis
and third baseman Hu posted one run each to make some hope for the club’s officials.
The Nationals put in a brilliant performance as they managed to contain the Mets’ offence from scoring runs. The Mets will be looking to improve their performance before the regular season begins. It will be interesting to see how the Nationals carry their
confidence and winning momentum into their next match-up.
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