The New York Mets had nine pitchers appear in this game, with Steven Matz taking the initial reps. This was Matz’s first start of spring training.
Despite only pitching the first inning, Matz began the game the worst way imaginable. Cardinals centerfielder Harrison Bader took the lefty deep on just the second pitch of the afternoon. Matz would retire the next three Cardinals in order.
It wasn’t the start Matz wanted considering the fact that he’s competing with Michael Wacha for a spot in the rotation. Allowing a home run to start a game doesn’t bode well.