The Mets extended their lead with four runs in the seventh inning, courtesy of a two-run single by outfielder Drew Gilbert, an RBI single by catcher Austin Allen, and a sacrifice fly by outfielder Taylor Kolwhey. The bullpen trio of right-handers Yacksel Ríos and Michael Tonkin, along with left-hander Nate Lavender, each contributed 1.0 scoreless inning.
Pitching has been a strong suit for the Mets this spring, as evidenced by their collective 2.75 ERA (11 ER/36.0 IP) through four games, the best mark in Grapefruit League play and the third-best in the majors overall. Mets starting pitchers have particularly impressed with a 1.13 ERA (1 ER/8.0 IP), ranking fourth in Grapefruit League play. Additionally, Mets relievers have posted a 3.21 ERA (10 ER/28.0 IP), the second-best mark in the Grapefruit League and the fourth-best in the majors.
Outfielders Tyrone Taylor and Trayce Thompson have stood out at the plate during Spring Training. Taylor has recorded a 3-for-6 performance with an RBI and a stolen base over two games, while Thompson has gone 2-for-5 with a grand slam and an RBI single in Monday’s game against Washington.
For you diseased gamblers out there,, the Mets are set to take on the Cardinals in their second Grapefruit League game out of six scheduled matchups. In their previous Grapefruit League opener against the Cardinals on February 24 at Clover Park, the Mets suffered a 10-5 defeat.
Right-handed pitcher Reed Garrett will make his second appearance of the spring, this time as a starter. In his previous outing against St. Louis on February 24, Garrett allowed two runs over 1.0 inning in relief. Last season, Garrett began with the Baltimore Orioles, appearing in two games before being designated for assignment on June 18. He was then claimed off waivers by the Mets on June 25, making nine relief appearances with the team. On September 30 against Philadelphia (Game 2), Garrett secured his first career major league win by pitching 3.0 scoreless innings and registering a career-high four strikeouts. A native of Henrico, VA, Garrett made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2019, appearing in 13 games with the club that season. In 2022, he made seven relief appearances with the Washington Nationals. Standing at 6-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Garrett was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 16th round of the 2014 First Year Player Draft out of Virginia Military Institute.
