PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Luis Castillo reached base all three times up and scored a run Wednesday, helping the New York Mets defeat the Houston Astros 7-2.
One of four candidates for the Mets’ second base job, Castillo walked twice, then singled and scored on a hit by Daniel Murphy, who is contending for the same spot.
Josh Thole and Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit two-run homers for the Mets.
Mets starter Chris Young allowed five hits, including solo homers to J.D. Martinez and Matt Downs, in four innings. Closer Francisco Rodriguez was perfect in relief.
Ryan Rowland-Smith, in competition for the fifth slot in the Astros’ rotation, allowed two runs on one hit and three walks in three innings.
