Mets Struggle in Spring Training Losses

0:00The latest scores, headlines and storylines, right here on New York Mets News today, subscribe and stay game ready. The Mets split their squad for spring training games on Saturday and came up short in both. At home in Clover Park, they fell to the Astros 7-5. Over in West Palm Beach, it was a 3-1 loss against the Nationals. Bright spot in the away game, Mark Vientel's crushed his first home run of the spring in the 8th inning, a much-needed boost after a rough camp where he was just one for 31. In the whole match-up, Marcus Simeon delivered with a 3-run double in the 6th to grab a short-lived lead and he made a nice grab in right field. 2. But reliever Ryan Lambert struggled big in the 8th, hitting a batter, walking another, and then surrendering a 3-run homer to Christian Walker. That flipped the score. First baseman Jorge Palanco also had a throwing air at his new position, highlighting some rust there. Right field competition took a hit when Mike Talkman tweaked his left knee, chasing a ball in the

1:024th and had to leave. He was replaced by A.J. Salgado, who stepped up with a triple and RBI single, another hit and a highlight catch. Francisco Lendor, building back from Hamade surgery, went hitless in four ad bats over 8 innings but flashed his glove early. Pitching prospect Jonah Tong started the home game, giving up three runs over four and a third innings on soft contact mostly, though he added a ball. And in air, still, he struck out five without a walk and showed off his curve and change up. Catcher Francisco Alvarez had a sharp eye too, winning two challenge calls early to help Tong, and he added an RBI single while batting 360. This spring, the away pitchers held strong with four scoreless from Juandre Suarez and three and a third more from Will Watson, but Joy Wimmer tagged them with A. Walk off two run homer in the 9th. Mets wrap up spring tomorrow against the Marlins on the road.