Bruce stays hot, goes deep; Tebow debuts
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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Tim Tebow may have finished his Grapefruit League debut without a hit on Wednesday, but every other member of the Mets' starting lineup collected at least one in the team's 8-7 win over the Red Sox at First Data Field.
Jay Bruce continued his hot spring with a two-run homer, Neil Walker added a three-run double and, yes, even Tebow plated a run on a bases-loaded double play. Bruce and Curtis Granderson each collected two hits for the Mets, who used the majority of their regulars in the home half of Wednesday's split squad.
Four of their runs came against Red Sox starter Rick Porcello, who allowed five hits and a walk in three-plus innings. Porcello also struck out four batters, including Tebow.
Making his first career appearance in a Major League game, Tebow struck out looking twice as the Mets' designated hitter, but plated a run on his double play in the fourth. The former NFL quarterback reached base for the first time in the sixth when Sox reliever Brian Johnson, a fellow University of Florida alumnus, plunked him on the right shoulder.
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Mets starter Noah Syndergaard did not allow a run over 2 1/3 innings, hitting 100 mph on the radar gun. He struck out one, allowing three hits and a walk.
Allen Craig went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer for Boston.
Red Sox Up Next: Left-hander Roenis Elías gets the start for Thursday's home exhibition game against the World Baseball Classic's Team USA entry, which is managed by Jim Leyland. The Red Sox should have most of their regulars in the lineup, including Mookie Betts, Dustin Pedroia, Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. Closer Craig Kimbrel will get an inning for Boston. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.
Mets Up Next:Jacob deGrom will make his second spring start when the Mets return to First Data Field on Thursday for a 1:10 p.m. ET game against the Tigers (watch on MLB.TV). deGrom, who touched 97 mph in his Grapefruit League debut last weekend, will oppose right-hander Aníbal Sánchez.
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