Herrera leads Mets; McHugh has sharp debut

March 5th, 2016

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Dilson Herrera had an RBI triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Conforto against Astros relief pitcher Ken Giles in the fifth inning to push the Mets to a 3-1 win on Saturday afternoon at Osceola County Stadium.
Mets starter Robert Gsellman, making his first start since being named the organization's Minor League pitcher of the year in 2015, allowed three hits and one run in two innings of work, and four Mets relievers followed with hitless outings -- Antonio Bastardo, Josh Smoker, Zach Thornton and Seth Lugo. Bastardo was making his first Mets appearance since signing a two-year, $12-million deal.
Astros starter Collin McHugh, who began his career by going winless with the Mets in 2012, allowed one single in two scoreless innings in his first start of the spring. He threw 14 of his 18 pitches for strikes.

"I think most pitchers early in camp, especially starting pitchers, you're still trying to get your feet under you," McHugh said. "Any time you can go out there and pound the strike zone and get away without any runs, it bodes well for you."
The Astros took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when George Springer led off with a double and scored on a single by Colin Moran. Springer went 1-for-1 with a walk and a run scored.
Up next for the Astros: The Astros will have their first split-squad action of the spring Sunday, with a game at Osceola County Stadium against the Blue Jays at 12:05 p.m. CT, which will air on Gameday Audio, and another on the road against the Pirates in Bradenton, Fla., at 12:05 p.m. that will air on MLB.TV.Scott Feldman, who missed the last month of last season with a shoulder sprain, will start against the Blue Jays, and Brad Peacock will take the hill against the Pirates. Peacock pitched in just one game last year and later had back surgery.
Up next for the Mets: Left-hander Sean Gilmartin, who is vying for one of two available bullpen spots, is scheduled to start against the Braves on Sunday at Tradition Field. First pitch will be at 1:10 p.m. ET, and the game will air on MLB.TV and Gameday Audio. Right-hander Jim Henderson, another reliever in the mix, is also slated to face the Braves.