Lindor, Alonso Homer In 7-1 Victory Over St. Louis

The New York Mets (5-5) traveled back to Sarasota, FL, to rematch the St. Louis Cardinals after dropping their first matchup to them, 12-7. New York, with Kodai Senga making his first start this spring training, tamed the Cardinals, 7-1.

Both sides had their respective starters play for each of their first three at-bats for the most part. Players like Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil and Francisco Lindor made their way on the starting lineup while Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado started for St. Louis.

To start the game, Lindor took Jordan Montgomery deep to start the first inning with a 414-foot blast to continue Lindor’s hot spring training.

Francisco Lindor with a 414-foot, 110.3-MPH off the bat home run in the first inning.

He’s been dominate at the plate in spring thus far.

1-0 #Mets, middle 1. pic.twitter.com/Gfb5RTELOP

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) March 5, 2023

Senga’s first inning was rocky as well, allowing two walks to start the inning. He managed to collect himself and get the next three batters out, including Goldschmidt and Arenado to pop and fly out, respectively.

Montgomery’s second inning wasn’t any better, as the Mets took full advantage of him. Abraham Almonte doubled to bring home Mark Canha – who singled earlier in the frame – and Almonte was sent right home with a Tim Locastro double right after that. A throwing error by Montgomery would send Locastro home putting the Mets up 4-0 after the second inning.

Senga would allow his first run and only run of the day after Cardinals’ catcher Tres Barrera took a curveball 361 feet up and over the outfield wall to bring the score to 4-1. Senga’s first sring outing would conclude after the second inning, where he allowed one hit, one earned run, two walks and struck out a pair.

José Quintana pitched the third inning following Senga’s departure and recorded a hold for the Mets while striking out Goldschmidt. Quintana would end up leaving after the third due to tightness in his left side. Quintana will be tested on his left side tomorrow and his ability to pitch in the World Baseball Classic is now uncertain.

Fast forward to the top of the fourth and Locastro continued to drive in runs for the Mets with his second double of the day. With Tommy Pham and Andrew Almonte on to lead off the inning, Locastro took a four-seam fastball to left-center field and drove home Pham. McNeil flied out to bring home Almonte and the Mets were up 6-1.

Alonso would wrap up the scoring for the Mets as he homered off JoJo Romero to put the Mets ahead, 7-1. That would end up being the final score after this afternoon’s game in Sarasota.

Pete Alonso goes 368 feet down the left field line to extend the lead.

7-1 #Mets, middle 5.pic.twitter.com/MMV62csZbJ

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) March 5, 2023

Senga would be the winning pitcher for the game and Montgomery would take the loss. Other Mets’ youngsters to make their impact on the game were Brett Baty, would took some reps at third while going 2-for-2 at the plate. Bryce Montes de Oca, who pitched a  1-2-3 eighth inning in relief, struck out a pair.

Player of the Game: Tim Locastro

Locastro did everything for the Mets Sunday afternoon. The Mets’ centerfielder went 2-for-3 at the plate, driving home two runs on doubles, scoring a run of his own after a Jordan Montgomery throwing error, and playing a solid centerfield in the absence of Brandon Nimmo. Locastro bumped his batting average to .353 this spring.

On Deck:

The Mets have off tomorrow before picking back up on Tuesday, March 7. They will travel to West Palm Beach, Florida and take on the Houston Astros. The lineups will look different though as the World Baseball Classic is scheduled to start.

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