Conforto Leads Mets to Win in Grapefruit League Opener
The New York Mets won their Grapefruit League (preseason) opener 3-2 against the Boston Red Sox earlier today. The Mets pitchers altogether allowed only two hits in the game. However, it was Michael Conforto who lead the way.
Conforto has become the odd man out in the running for the outfield positions when the Mets start the regular season. With the outfield of Yoenis Cespedes, Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce as the likely starters and Juan Lagares and Brandon Nimmo pegged as the backups, the Mets would rather have Conforto play in the minors than be wasted on the bench in the majors. Conforto's sophomore slump in 2016 also didn't help his case when coming into this spring.
However if Conforto wants to make this team, he has to have a big preseason to make it to New York. If there was a time to start off, manager Terry Collins knows he needs to see Conforto come up with big hits and solid at bats against lefty pitching. One game doesn't make a difference. However if Conforto needed a glimpse of hope, he got it today against the Red Sox.
Michael Conforto hopes to make the big league squad in April.
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In his first at bat in the top of the first, Conforto drilled a single off of lefty Henry Owens that put Juan Lagares at third base with just one out. Lagares would score after a ground ball by Wilmer Flores could not be turned into a double play. Conforto would then get an even bigger boost in the top of the 3rd. On a 2 and 1 pitch, Conforto smashed a home run over the right field wall to put the Mets up 3-0.
As for the rest of the team, Gavin Cecchini also hit a home run to left in the 2nd inning. Seth Lugo, who is fighting for the fifth spot in the rotation, had a good showing. Lugo got the win as he did not give up a run nor a hit in his two innings of work. Lugo did walk two batters but struck out three. One time starter, Rafael Montero, also looked good in his two innings of work. Montero didn't allow a run or hit either while striking out two despite walking a batter.
Seth Lugo began the battle for the fifth spot with a positive start.
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The only question mark of the game came from lefty Josh Edgin who gave up the two runs and the only two hits that the Red Sox got. Hansel Robles' 1-2-3 9th inning nailed down the save for the Mets. Robles struck out a batter in his outing. One other note was Travis d'Arnaud going 2-2 in the game.
As for Conforto, this is the momentum he needed to begin his claim for a position on the opening day roster. Will it get him to the 25-man roster come April? Only time will tell over the next month.
Tomorrow, the Mets make their Tradition Field debut against NL East rivals the Washington Nationals. The Nationals are one of the favorites to win the NL East this year, along with the Mets. The Mets will play Yoenis Cespedes and Curtis Granderson. David Wright is also pegged in to DH in this one. Lefty Sean Gilmartin will start against Gio Gonzalez tomorrow at 1pm.
