Game Recap: Mets 7 -- Nationals 3

Oliver Perez looked as good as ever, pitching 5 innings of one run ball, leading the New York Mets to a 7-3 victory over the Washington Nationals.

Perez had a no hitter through 3 2-3 innings, when it was broken up by Ryan Zimmerman with a single into leftfield. Perez gave up one unearned run on two hits. Perez walked none while striking out five. Perez only faced two over the minimum in his five innings of work.

The most impressive stat up there is the walks. If he can keep his pitches under control, he becomes a totally different pitcher. 1-4, I think the Mets have the best starting rotation around.

Joe Smith and Duaner Sanchez each allowed a run on two hits in relief. Sanchez tallied one strikeout. The Mets got hitless and scoreless innings from Ricardo Rincon and Joselo Diaz. Diaz managed to walk three in his inning and not allow the Nationals to score.

Smith can't seem to go a day without giving up a run. Sanchez merely appearing in the game is a plus, he soon needs to start limiting the damage and be able to recover quicker before I pencil him into the bullpen. Rincon bounced back nicely after getting torched in his last appearance.

The Mets were all over the bases today, stealing 5 bases in 4 2-3 of an inning. All the bases were stolen off the battery of Micheal O'Connor and Jesus Flores.

Very fitting O'Connor got the start today.

Jose Reyes went 2-3, with a run scored. He also swiped two bases. Endy Chavez went 1-2 with a walk and a run scored. Chavez swiped one base.

Speed behind speed at the top of the lineup is the best thing, I think. Hopefully when Luis Castillo fills that hole, on his new knees, he'll be able to create scoring opportunities.

David Wright went 2-3 on the day, scoring once and driving in two runs in the 5th inning. Wright also picked up a bag, stealing second. Fernando Martinez and Brady Clark each also picked up two hits. Martinez scored twice, while Clark only scored once. Martinez struck out twice, as well. Clark swiped his third bag of the spring too.

Good stuff from these guys today. Can't ask for much more. Clark's stock is rising rapidly.

Fernando Tatis went 0-5. Ryan Church, playing in his first game since the birth of his son Mason, went 0-4, with two strikeouts, a walk, and a run scored.

I would much rather see another guy getting reps at first, not Tatis. Or Olmedo Saenz, for that matter. Have to give Church a break here, he's probably running on no sleep.