Derek Lowe allowed six runs on seven hits and three walks in four innings, resulting in a 8-2 loss to the Mets.
Angel Pagan, David Wright and Ike Davis drove in the three Mets runs in the first inning. Willie Harris and Mike Pelfrey singled in runs in the third, and an error brought home another. Lowe allowed seven hits but only one for extra bases, inducing 10 groundouts to two flyouts. It was an all or nothing day today.
Some rather obscure pitchers received innings behind Lowe for the Braves. Luis Avilan walked one in a scoreless inning. Jason Lowey allowed a run in an inning after getting two straight outs to begin the inning, due to a double and single. Tim Gustafson gave up two singles but pitched a scoreless inning.
Jonny Venters had his scoreless streak snapped by allowing a run in an inning. A double by Jose Reyes began the inning, which was followed by two errors that brought him home, one committed by Venters.
The Braves had five errors in the game. Wilkin Ramirez had his first two of the spring. Brooks Conrad committed his fifth, further proving he can't play defense. Venters and Joe Mather had the other two.
Matt Young had another solid day, going 2-4 with two singles, both off Pelfrey. Conrad singled in a run for his only hit, also walking once and striking out twice. Ramirez added a single and scored on Conrad's single. Brandon Hicks went 0-2 with two walks and two strikeouts, which is a normal day for him.
Freddie Freeman went 2-2 with a walk, including a double off Pelfrey. Nate McLouth added a single in four trips.
Stock:
This appeared to be a drowsy day for the Braves. A two-hour bus ride near the end of Spring Training is never good news, so I wouldn't put much into any lackluster efforts today.
I am confident Young will earn a bench spot. Hicks appears to be locking one up, as well, playing the entire game while seeing nothing from Ed Lucas.