LAKELAND, Fla. -- J.D. Martinez and Mike Aviles homered in a balanced offensive attack, leading the Tigers to a 9-2 win over the Mets on Monday afternoon at Joker Marchant Stadium.
The Mets took an early lead on a Kevin Plawecki RBI single, but they couldn't capitalize with more during a 33-pitch second inning for Detroit starter Daniel Norris. He lasted just two innings in his third outing of the spring as he tries to capture the fifth spot in the Tigers' rotation.
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The Tigers pulled ahead for good on an RBI single from Justin Upton in the fourth. Martinez's third homer of the year built some breathing room off Hansel Robles in the fifth before Aviles, a day after his 35th birthday, hit a three-run shot scoring Casey McGehee and JaCoby Jones in the seventh.
Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez was lifted for a pinch-runner after his leadoff single in the fifth due to a mild hamstring strain. Seth Lugo went two no-hit innings for the Mets while stepping in for Jacob deGrom, who was scratched from his start due to back stiffness. Wilmer Flores led the Mets on offense, going 3-for-3 with two doubles and two runs scored.
Up next for the Mets:Noah Syndergaard will make his second Grapefruit League start when the Mets face the Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium on Tuesday at 1:05 p.m. ET (listen on Gameday Audio). Syndergaard pitched three scoreless innings in his first start.
Up next for the Tigers:Justin Verlander will make his third start of the spring on Tuesday when the Tigers host the Braves in a 1:05 p.m. game at Joker Marchant Stadium (watch on MLB.TV). Verlander has thrown five scoreless innings on two hits so far this spring.