NY Mets 8, Tampa Bay 2

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla., March 20 (UPI) -- David Cone took a major step toward earning a roster spot Thursday, allowing one run and three hits over four innings as the New York Mets downed the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 8-2.

The 40-year-old Cone, who has not pitched in the major leagues since 2001, walked one and struck out four. He came into the start with a 10.13 ERA, surrendering six runs over 5 1/3 innings in three spring outings.

Roger Cedeno and Tony Clark had three hits apiece for New York, while Timo Perez and Cliff Floyd homered.

Joe Kennedy took his third spring loss after yielding three runs and seven hits in four innings.

Carl Crawford went three for three for the Devil Rays.