Mets’ K-Rod perfect in spring debut
March 15, 2010
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP)—St. Louis starter Brad Penny(notes) absorbed a line driveoff his pitching elbow and Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez(notes) was perfect in hisspring debut Monday during New York’s 6-5 win over the Cardinals.
Penny stuck up his right elbow to block a liner off the bat of Jason Bay(notes) inthe first inning. After a few practice tosses, Penny stayed in the game. He gaveup three runs and six hits in 3 2-3 innings.
Angel Pagan(notes) hit a game-ending, two-run homer. He connected in his firstat-bat of the game, sending a drive over the center-field wall.
Rodriguez had missed more than two weeks because of conjunctivitis. His eyeproblem cleared up, and he retired the Cardinals on seven pitches in the ninthinning.