PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Upon further review, the play stood.
In the first Mets exhibition game in which replay was available, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny challenged second-base umpire Chris Conroy’s “out” call on Mike O’Neill attempting to steal second base in the eighth inning Friday at Tradition Field, but the verdict was upheld on replay.
Replays confirmed Wilmer Flores applied the tag on O’Neill before he touched the base.
Terry Collins did not challenge any calls Friday, but considered it. Collins said he considered challenging a call in which Eric Young Jr. was ruled out attempting to steal second in the third inning. The manager was later told by umpires the call would have held up.
“Eric said he was easily safe and when we checked with the umpire who was in the truck, he said they would have stayed with the call because it was inconclusive,” Collins said following a 5-5 tie that was called after nine innings.
Collins indicated he probably will challenge close calls early in games this season, even at the risk of losing an additional opportunity to challenge if the play is not overturned.
Collins said the fact every play is so scrutinized by New York fans and media will make him more likely to gamble with his challenges.
Collins cited the example of why he might challenge a two-out, infield single by the opposing team.
“What do you think if I don’t go challenge that and we give up four runs with two outs?” Collins said. “What are you guys going to say when the game is over? ‘What are you, out of your mind? You’re not going to challenge that?’ Believe me, if you can get an out, get an out.”
Daisuke Matsuzaka allowed two runs, one earned, on six hits over two innings. The right-hander wasn’t helped by a Kolten Wong fly ball that Chris Young lost in the sun for an RBI double. And Matt Holliday hit a grounder that deflected off the second-base umpire, Conroy, for a hit.
“There were a few unlucky hits that dropped in, but overall today I was able to accomplish what I wanted to,” Matsuzaka said.
But Matsuzaka, who is the favorite to claim the fifth spot in the rotation, said he was disappointed with the location on his pitches.
John Lannan, who is among Matsuzaka’s competitors for the rotation spot, allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits over two innings.
Daniel Murphy “banged up” his shin sliding into second base, but doesn’t expect to miss playing time. Murphy and David Wright played their first Grapefruit League game on Friday after sitting out the first week to avoid fatigue that can lead to abdominal injuries. Murphy went 1-for-2 and Wright was hitless in three at-bats.
Seth Everett, formerly of FOX Sports Radio, has been named the Mets’ pregame and postgame host on WOR-AM (710).