The New York Mets fell to the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field tonight by the final score of 6-3. For a full box score recap follow the link below…

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2016_03_22_nynmlb_nyamlb_1#game=2016_03_22_nynmlb_nyamlb_1,game_state=Wrapup,game_tab=box

Game Notes:

• Steven Matz struggled tonight pitching 4 innings and allowing 5 runs on 7 hits. He also had 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. He currently has a Grapefruit League ERA of 8.31
• Yoenis Cespedes had a great day offensively going 3-4 with an RBI double. He is hitting .419 this spring.
• Curtis Granderson was 2-4 with 2 doubles and 1 run scored.
• Alejandro De Aza was 2-4 with a run scored. He is also hitting .419 this spring.
• Johnny Monell who is vying for a roster spot was 2-3 with 1 run scored.
• Hansel Robles pitched a scoreless frame, allowing 1 hit while striking out 3.

This was the uneven start that Steven Matz was not looking for after his comments, following his last appearance against the Miami Marlins. Matz who was visibly upset after his last appearance, stated he is looking for results at this point in Spring Training, and he possibly could’ve been pressing in that tough five-run, second inning. Matz seemed to settle down as he retired the final seven hitters he faced before departing after the 4th inning. This serves as a reminder to not only Steven but us Mets fans that he is still a rookie in this league and he is going to have some bumps along the way. It is important for Steven to not get too high and not too low on any particular start this season, as he will take his bumps and bruises along the way just like any other rookie pitcher will. At this point in Spring Training, Steven should want to continue his growth process at the Major League level and understand what is working and what isn’t.  The results he is looking for will come hopefully sooner than later, so it is important for Steven to stay positive as he has proven he can pitch at the Big League level already. Yoenis Cespedes is having himself a great spring and I can’t wait to see what he will bring to the Mets over the course of a full season. Cespedes raised his Grapefruit League average to .417 and hit a long RBI double off of Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman this evening. 

• The Mets head to Dunedin, Florida for a 1:07 pm et contest against the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow afternoon. The game will not be televised but can be heard on WOR 710 AM.

• Bartolo Colon will take the hill for the Mets opposing Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez. LHP Sean Gilmartin is also scheduled to pitch for the Mets tomorrow afternoon.