PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. _ In his first at-bat against major-league pitching, Mets prospect Tim Tebow struck out looking against reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello in a spring training game on Wednesday.
Tebow, leading off the bottom of the third inning against the Red Sox at First Data Field, faced four fastballs from Porcello. He took the first one for a strike, watched the second one for a ball inside, swung through the third one and took the fourth one for strike three on the outside corner.
Tebow, who appeared to disagree with the call, took a look back at home plate umpire Ryan Addition. The fastballs were clocked at 90, 91, 91 and 92 miles per hour on the stadium gun.
In his second at-bat, Tebow came up in the fourth inning with the bases loaded and nobody out against right-hander Noe Ramirez with the Mets trailing 4-3. After fouling off a pair of pitches, Tebow hit a sharp grounder to second that was turned into a double play as the tying run scored.
Tebow received a standing ovation as he returned to the dugout.
Tebow was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning, when he came up with runners on first and third and no outs. Facing minor-league left-hander Brian Johnson _ like Tebow, a University of Florida product _ Tebow was struck on the right shoulder by a 1-and-1 fastball. Tebow flung his bat toward the Mets third-base dugout and trotted to first to load the bases.
Tebow wasn't there long. L.J. Mazzilli hit a line drive to second and Tebow was doubled off first base _ a big baseball no-no. Tebow did not slide back into the base, another no-no.
Tebow struck out looking at three breaking balls against right-hander Brandon Workman in the eighth.
Tebow, 29, was batting eighth and serving as the designated hitter in the Mets' nearly sold-out game. Tebow wore uniform number 97 _ typical for a low minor-leaguer _ instead of his usual No. 15.
"Tebow 15" Mets jerseys have been selling well ever since the former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback began his professional baseball career last October in Instructional League.
Infielder Matt Reynolds currently owns the number on the Mets' major-league roster, which Tebow is not on. Minor leaguers are allowed to play in major-league spring training games.
Earlier on Wednesday, Tebow wore No. 15 during batting practice. He hit several home runs off Mets bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello, including one off the scoreboard and another over a "Send in the Clowns" advertising sign.
Porcello's pitches were a little faster.
Tebow will play again for the Mets on Friday against the Astros at Port St. Lucie. He is expected to play left field.
