Mets Game 1: Win Over Marlins

Mets 7 Marlins 1

It couldn’t be a better day.

Beautiful, sunny, warm weather, an old-fashioned pitchers’ duel for five frames, followed by an offensive outburst by the home team.

And by the late afternoon, the Mets notched their first win of the year.

Johan Santana didn’t have Cy Young stuff, but he had enough to hold off the Fish through six — allowing only four hits and two walks, striking out five. He also had an early lead, thanks to a two-run homer by David Wright in his first at-bat of 2010.

Meanwhile, the Mets finally figured out their perennial nemesis Josh Johnson, who struggled with his command and was knocked out of the game before recording an out in the sixth. The Mets scored four times that inning and once again in the seventh to put the game away.

Fernando Nieve pitched two scoreless innings of pressure-free relief and Francisco Rodriguez finished up in a non-save situation.

Game Notes

This was the first time the Mets beat Josh Johnson. Ever. He’s now 7-1 career vs. the Mets.

Gary Matthews Jr. went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, and 2 runs scored. “So there!”, says GMJ and Jerry Manuel to all the critics lambasting Manuel for the Opening Day lineup.

Though, Mike Jacobs and Alex Cora were a combined 0-for-8 with an RBI, neither player reaching base. All part of Jerry’s master plan, I guess.

Jason Bay quietly went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored and saw more pitches — 23 — than any other Met hitter.

Fernando Tatis came into the game as a defensive replacement for Mike Jacobs in the 8th. I’m not sure whether that’s comical or sad.

Next Mets Game

The Mets begin 2010 in first place in the NL East, and will remain there, guaranteed, for at least the next 50 hours. Game Two of 2010 begins at 7:10 PM on Wednesday in Flushing. John Maine takes the mound against Ricky Nolasco.