Live: Marlins/Mets

            FINAL: Mercifully for the Marlins, this one is over. They ended up with three hits, thanks to Michael Stanton and Manny Mayorson, who came through with late hits. That gave them one more hit than errors. Final score was 9-0.

             7th -- Back up from the clubhouse. Just the usual from Volstad. Working on stuff today, etc., etc. Meanwhile, since I've been away, Reyes connected on another homer, this one down the left field line to complement his shot to right earlier. Willie Collazo gave up the second blow. And the Marlins remain stuck on just one infield hit -- Maybin's. Mets 9, Marlins 0.

            5th -- Marlins offensively have only a Hermida walk and Maybin infield hit through five, and he was picked off first. Ex-Met Matt Lindstrom takes over on the mound for the Marlins.

           Just had a reader write wondering when the Marlins' TV schedule for the season would be released. From Marlins V.P. of Communications and Broadcasting P.J. Loyello: "Soon."

            4th -- The Marlins' Grapefruit League error count now stands at an even half dozen. Bonifacio, being tested at third base, became the latest culprit when a Brian Schneider ground ball ate him up. Add in a couple of walks issued by Vandenhurk to load the bases and, pow, Jose Reyes knocks one out for a grand slam. Vandy is out of there. His line as he prepares to head off to play for The Netherlands in the WBC: 1 2/3 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 0 K. Henry Owens takes over. Mets 6, Marlins 0.

            3rd -- Emilio Bonifacio, leading off today for the Marlins, struck out in each of his first two at bats. Robert Andino, starting at second, made a splashy play up the middle to rob Jose Reyes of a hit. Vandenhurk now on the mound for the Marlins. Volstad's line: 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K.

            More ugly defensiveness for the Marlins, specifically Hanley Ramirez. The shortstop had a potential double play ground ball bounce off his chest. Managed to recover and get the out at second but was too late to complete the DP, enabling one run to score. Then was charged with an error when Mike Rabelo's throw went through his glove on Carlos Beltran's stolen base. Mets 2, Marlins 0.

            2nd -- Michael Stanton provided a snapshot of his power when he powered a fly ball to deep right center that was hauled in near the warning track. If not for the strong breeze, it probably would have gone out for a 2-run homer. Stanton is one of the organization's top prospects, probably a year or two away from the majors. Hit 39 homers last season at Single A Greensboro. Meanwhile, Chris Volstad just escaped a bases-loaded jam and the score remains one-zip in favor of the Metropolitans. 

           
            1st -- Jerry Manuel's decision to bat pitcher Oliver Perez in the second spot paid first-inning dividends, but don't expect it to become the new fashion trend. Manuel wanted Perez to work on bunting, and the pitcher dropped down a beauty, advancing Luis Castillo to third. Castillo then scored on Jose Reyes' grounder to first. So that's where we stand at the moment. Mets 1, Marlins 0. 

            1:02 p.m. -- Welcome back. We're at Tradition Field this afternoon for Marlins/Mets. The wind appears to be blowing right to left. We'll keep you updated throughout the course of the game. I see the Marlins brought their gloves today, so that's a good start.

            No radio today, but the broadcasting team hits the airwaves tomorrow on 790 The Ticket when the Marlins take on the Baltimore Orioles.