Francisco Alvarez delivered two doubles, three runs batted in and a run scored Tuesday night as the New York Mets defeated the Texas Rangers 6-3 in Arlington to open a three-game series.The victory was Andy Green’s first since officially becoming the Mets’ permanent manager after signing a three-year contract. Green is now 38-38 since taking over as interim manager in late June.Alvarez opened the scoring in the third inning with a 112.3-mile-per-hour double that reached the wall in left-center. He later scored when Juan Soto grounded a single into center field with two outs.Texas answered in the bottom half before taking a 3-2 lead in the fourth, but Alvarez helped put New York back in front in the sixth. His second double of the night brought home two runs, and he eventually scored from second when the Rangers struggled to make a play on a foul pop-up.Sean Manaea battled through early trouble to complete six innings. He struck out nine while allowing three runs on three hits and two walks. Manaea also hit two batters and threw 99 pitches, with 68 strikes.The Mets added insurance in the seventh when Carson Benge doubled home Brett Baty, who had reached on a pinch-hit double. Benge finished 2-for-4 with two doubles and a walk.A.J. Ewing also made history, stealing second base in the sixth for his 25th stolen base of the season, setting a Mets rookie record.Nate Lavender and Dedniel Núñez combined for two scoreless innings before Kodai Senga closed the game in the ninth for his eighth save.
The Mets collected 10 hits but went 3-for-16 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base.
The teams continue their series Wednesday at 8:05 p.m., with Nolan McLean scheduled to start for New York.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.