Game 1: Florida Marlins 1 @ New York Mets 7
When New York Mets third baseman David Wright lifted a home-run to right field in today’s 7-1 opening day win over the Florida Marlins, Mets fans must have breathed a huge sigh of relief. For one day, at least, the power was back.
After hitting 25-plus home runs in his first four full years in the major leagues, Wright hit just 10 home runs last year, mystifying much of the baseball world. Today, however, he hit a two-run shot in the first inning to give the Mets a lead they would never give up.
The Mets also benefitted from a strong outing by Johan Santana. Santana gave up just one earned run and six baserunners in his six innings of work. Santana’s effort was followed by two shutout innings from Fernando Nieve and a perfect ninth from Francisco Rodriguez.
The Mets received an excellent day’s work from the bottom of their lineup. The five through eight spots went 7-for-13 this afternoon with two walks. All four players recorded extra-base hits, with doubles from Gary Matthews Jr., Jeff Francoeur and Rod Barajas as well as a triple off the bat of Jason Bay. All four reached base on multiple occasions.
So, all in all, a strong opening-day effort from the New York Mets. The Mets have an off-day Tuesday before resuming play on Wednesday with a night game against the Florida Marlins, in which John Maine will take the hill against Ricky Nolasco.
