MMO Game Thread: Mets vs. Cardinals, 1:05 P.M.
Kodai Senga. Photo by Ed Delaney, MMO
Sunday, March 5, 2023 • 1:05 PM
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium • Jupiter, Florida
RHP Kodai Senga (0-0, -.–) vs. LHP Jordan Montgomery (0-0, -.–)
MLB TV (via Bally Sports Midwest) • WCBS 880
The New York Mets have the opportunity to improve to .500 this afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Mets are coming off of a huge game against the Marlins yesterday where they racked up 16 hits and 15 runs thanks to five home runs. Mark Vientos was the big start of the day going 3-for-4 at the plate with two homers and five RBIs. With the World Baseball Classic coming up this week, we are only going to see more of Vientos.
Today, the Mets will go back to Jupiter to take on their other spring team – the Cardinals. Today is also the second day in a row that a big starting pitcher free agent signing will be making his Mets’ debut. Yesterday, Justin Verlander had a great first game allowing one run from two hits and no walks while striking out three over three innings. This afternoon, fans finally get to see Kodai Senga and his ghost forkball take on another major league team.
Mets Lineup
https://twitter.com/Mets/status/1632381495447891969?s=20
Cardinals Lineup
https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1632376277574320130?s=20
Game Notes
Ronny Mauricio is tied for the major league lead with three home runs. He is also tied for second in the majors with 15 total bases and tied for fifth with four extra-base hits.
Former Mets’ outfielder Darryl Strawberry and former Mets infielder Edgardo Alfonzo will be in Mets’ camp from March 2 until March 6.
A total of 11 players in major league camp with the Mets will compete in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Three Things To Watch For
- The Ghost Forkball: It’s worth noting that Senga does not call his signature pitch a ghost forkball. He says its probably a splitter because he doesn’t hold the ball the same way most forkball pitchers do. DiComo notes that the pitch grip is similar to the split-changeup that Carlos Carrasco throws. Due to how far back in his hand Senga throws the ball, and his motion, when done right, it takes on a different trajectory. The nickname comes from its ability to just disappear to hitters. All season we will surely be talking about the adjustment major league hitters will make to the pitch and the readjustments Senga will need to take.
- Francisco Lindor: Over the first six games he’s played in Lindor has collected five hits and four walks in 19 plate appearances. He already has a .400/.526/.667 slash line in spring. First, a hot at the plate Lindor is great news for the World Baseball Classic next week. Second, if Lindor keeps this up in April, the Mets are going to be unstoppable at the plate.
- Have Fun! Today is the last day that the World Baseball Classic players are in camp. So, in addition to aforementioned Lindor, Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso, Eduardo Escobar, and Omar Narváez will be in the lineup for the last time for the foreseeable future.
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