PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Ike Davis hit a long two-run homer, and prospects Rafael Montero and Jacob DeGrom combined to throw four perfect innings as the New York Mets lost to the Washington Nationals 5-4 Friday in the first spring training game for both teams.
Davis, competing with Lucas Duda for New York's first-base job, hit a two-out homer off Christian Garcia in a four-run fifth. The drive landed on the sidewalk behind the grass berm in right field and bounced out of the ballpark.
Trying to become the Mets' fifth starter, Montero struck out two in two innings — he retired Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche with back-to-back three-pitch strikeouts. DeGrom struck out four in two innings.
Nationals starter Taylor Jordan allowed one hit in two scoreless innings and struck out two.
Juan Lagares went 2 for 3 with a double for the Mets. Wilson Ramos doubled for the Nationals.
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