The New York Mets overcame an early deficit Monday afternoon, using a 16-hit offensive performance and four scoreless innings from the bullpen to beat the Miami Marlins, 9-4, in the opener of a three-game series.
New York jumped in front in the first inning after Miami committed a pair of throwing errors. Juan Soto scored from first when Javier Sanoja’s throw on Bo Bichette’s grounder sailed into left field, allowing Bichette to reach second. Bichette later scored from third when catcher Joe Mack’s throw while attempting to catch Carson Benge stealing second went wide.
The Marlins answered against Jonah Tong in the second. Making his first start of the season, Tong struck out the side in the opening inning before Miami put together a four-run frame. After a single, an RBI triple and a walk, Graham Pauley capped the rally with a three-run home run.
Tong settled in after the rough inning, retiring Miami in order in the third and working through four-batter innings in both the fourth and fifth. He finished with four runs allowed on four hits while striking out seven and walking one over five innings.
The Mets pulled even in the third when Marcus Semien doubled after winning an ABS challenge and eventually scored on Francisco Alvarez’s RBI hit. New York moved back ahead in the fourth behind three consecutive singles from the top of the order. Bichette brought home the go-ahead run before A.J. Ewing followed with a two-run double down the left-field line.
Ewing added another RBI single in the sixth after Semien doubled home Benge, giving the rookie three hits and three runs batted in on the afternoon.
Dedniel Núñez, Chris Devenski, Daniel Duarte and Austin Warren combined for four scoreless innings to close out the victory.
The Mets continue the series Tuesday at 6:40 p.m., with Sean Manaea facing Sandy Alcantara.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.