Niese continues solid spring as Mets rip Tigers, Verlander

The Mets' Brian Bixler scores in the fifth inning before Tigers catcher Bryan Holaday can get the throw. Bixler also homered for New York.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Jonathon Niese knows he may get the ball on opening day if Johan Santana begins the season on the disabled list.

The young left-hander is not taking anything for granted, though.

Niese pitched one-hit ball for 4 2-3 innings, and the New York Mets roughed up Justin Verlander in an 11-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Monday.

Starting the opener at home on April 1 against the San Diego Padres would be a big deal to Niese — only if Santana isn't ready.

"It would be an honor to pitch on opening day," Niese said. "I'll pitch anywhere in the rotation, but if it is offered, I will accept the challenge."

Niese went 13-9 last season for the Mets with a 3.40 ERA in 30 starts. He was second on the staff in wins behind Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, who was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays over the winter. Santana started only 21 games, going 6-9 last season for the Mets.

New York manager Terry Collins is confident Niese, who hasn't allowed a run to a major league team this spring, would be up to the task.

"He won 13 games and pitched a lot of innings for us last year," Collins said. "He's growing up as a pitcher, and he deserves the opportunity. I think he can be one of the best pitchers in the game."

Niese wasn't satisfied with walking four Monday and knows there is work to be done between now and opening day.

"I feel good, and my velocity is increasing," Niese said. "I need to cut down on my walks, but I am also trying to attack hitters. I'm getting to where I want to be."

Verlander allowed five runs, while walking two, hitting two batters, and balking in a run in 4 1-3 innings in his worst outing of the spring.

Verlander said he had an idea coming in for his first inning that it might not be his day.

"It's the first time I haven't had it this spring," said Verlander, who entered the game having allowed only one earned run. "I knew from the start I didn't have it, and they got to me."

Tigers manager Jim Leyland didn't seem concerned.

"It was just an ugly loss in an ugly spring training game," Leyland said. "There's no need for alarm with Verlander. He is the least of my concerns."

Jordany Valdespin, who later left the game after being hit by a pitch from Verlander, homered in the first inning, and Brian Bixler and Brandon Hicks also homered for the Mets.

The Tigers had five hits, including two from Matt Tuiasosopo.