The New York Mets (67-78) jumped on the Miami Marlins (72-74) early Tuesday night and held on late to secure a series victory with a 7-5 win at loanDepot Park. New York scored six runs over the first three innings, then relied on its pitching staff to withstand a late Miami push.
Francisco Lindor wasted no time getting the Mets on the board, launching Sandy Alcantara’s first pitch of the game over the center-field wall for his 17th home run of the season. Jared Young, back in the lineup after sitting out two games with a sore foot, followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0.
The Mets added three more runs in the second. After Francisco Alvarez singled and Lindor was hit by a pitch, Juan Soto jumped on the first pitch he saw from Alcantara and crushed a 417-foot home run to center field, extending the lead to five runs.
Brett Baty continued the power display an inning later, sending a 426-foot solo shot to center. The home run was his 10th of the season and gave New York 10 players with at least 10 home runs this year. Baty also delivered a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning.
Sean Manaea was nearly untouchable through five innings, retiring his first 15 batters while striking out four on 52 pitches. Miami finally broke through in the sixth, stringing together five consecutive hits and scoring four earned runs before Manaea exited after 5-plus innings.
Jonathan Pintaro entered and helped limit the damage, while Nate Lavender, Dedniel Núñez and Kodai Senga finished off the victory. Lavender preserved his scoreless streak to begin his career at 14 innings, while Senga recorded his seventh save in seven opportunities after striking out the final two batters.
The Mets will try to complete the sweep Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. Robert Stock will face Janson Junk.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.