FT. MYERS, Fla. — If the fifth starting spot is really an open competition as Mets manager Terry Collins has asserted, then Seth Lugo made a case for consideration on Friday in the Mets’ 3-2 win at JetBlue Field in the Grapefruit League opener.
Lugo pitched two hitless innings in his first start of the spring exhibition season, striking out three in the first inning and walking two. It was a strong start for him to build off of.
Marcos Molina and Rafael Montero, both non-roster invitees, each pitched two hitless innings. Corey Taylor, Josh Edgin and Hansel Robles also pitched. Gavin Cecchini homered.
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The Mets scored a run in each of the first three innings and didn’t give up a hit until the seventh inning, when Edgin, one of several lefties competing for a spot in the bullpen, gave up a double to Hanley Ramirez and a home run to Brian Bogusevic, who is competing for a roster spot with the Red Sox after a year playing in Japan.
Conforto: Michael Conforto is playing behind Jay Bruce in left field but he began his quest to leap ahead of his high-priced counterpart. Conforto went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in the third.
d’Arnaud: Catcher Travis d’Arnaud worked all season on eliminating the loop in his swing. He showcased a shorter, more compact swing in a 2-for-2 day.
What’s Next: The Mets return to Port St. Lucie for the First Data Field home-opener. They’ll host NL East foe Washington at 1:05 p.m., ET. The game will be televised on SNY.
Left-hander Sean Gilmartin will get his first spring training start with left-handed specialist Jerry Blevins scheduled to relieve him. He’ll face lefty Gio Gonzalez.
Abbey Mastracco may be reached at amastracco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @abbeymastracco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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