Steven Matz and Mets bats have big day against the Cardinals

With a lineup that looked like it could be a potential Opening Day lineup, the offense exploded against the Cardinals in Port St. Lucie to the tune of a 9-1 win. They did most of the damage in the second inning when the offense scored four runs against lefty Austin Gomber.

The big blow came off the bat of Amed Rosario who returned to the lineup after getting hit on the hand last week. The shortstop turned on a pitch and sent it beyond the left field wall for a three-run home run.

Rosario was not the only one to leave the yard. Both Jeff McNeil and Travis d’Arnaud added solo shots of their own in separate innings and the rout was on. Half of the Cardinals’ pitchers on the day were lefties and the offense did most of the damage against them, even with a lefty heavy starting lineup.

As for the Mets’ pitching, they were collectively stellar for the day. Steven Matz led the way with four scoreless innings and the only blemish was a solo home run against Edwin Diaz.

Some more notes from today’s game:

• Both Dominic Smith and Pete Alonso were in the lineup as they continue to battle for the first base job. Alonso served at the DH and went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. He is hitting .414 with a 1.297 OPS. Dominic Smith also went 1-for-3 and drove in one and scored one. He is currently hitting .423 with a 1.060 OPS.
• Robinson Cano’s good spring continued. He picked up two more hits and an RBI. He is now batting an even .500 with a 1.224 OPS for the spring.
• The presumed back end of the bullpen all saw action. The trio of Justin Wilson, Jeurys Familia, and Edwin Diaz combined to pitch three innings. They gave up two hits, one run, and struck out four.
• Daniel Zamora faced one lefty batter and struck him out. Robert Gsellman relieved him and easily finished the inning.
• Tim Tebow replaced Brandon Nimmo in left field and went 1-for-1 with a walk but got thrown out at home plate.

Full box score: MLB.com