Blade Tidwell hits 99 mph, Pete Alonso smacks two-run double as Mets fall to Cardinals

The Mets lots to the St. Louis Cardinals, 7-4, on Monday afternoon as their spring training slate continued.

Here are the takeaways…

– Blade Tidwell flashed excellent stuff during 2.0 uneven innings. He hit 99 mph in a scoreless first inning, while working around a two-out double. In the second inning, Tidwell was touched up a bit as he allowed three hits and a walk — including a three-run homer to Luken Baker. Tidwell settled down to end his outing, getting a fly out before inducing a double play.

Overall, Tidwell allowed three runs on four hits while walking one and striking out one.

One of the Mets’ top pitching prospects, the expectation is that Tidwell will begin the season with Triple-A Syracuse.

– Juan Soto lined an infield single off the pitcher in his second and final at-bat.

– Pete Alonso smashed a two-run double to the wall in right-center field his second time up. He also drew a walk.

– Jose Butto was sharp during a tidy perfect inning of work. His fastball topped out a tick below 95 mph as he retired Brendan Donovan, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado. Despite the injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, Butto is expected to remain in a relief role.

– Huascar Brazoban, one of the pitchers competing for a spot in the bullpen, fired a perfect frame. He struck out the first two batters he faced (Ivan Herrera and Jordan Walker) before getting a pop out to end the inning. Brazoban’s fastball reached 96 mph.