MIAMI — Rookie slugger Pete Alonso hit his first major league homer, a three-run shot to cap a four-run ninth inning, and the New York Mets overcame 16 strikeouts by their hitters to rally past the Miami Marlins 7-3 Monday night.
Juan Lagares hit his first homer since Sept. 7, 2017, and sparked the ninth-inning rally when he was hit by a two-strike pitch trying to bunt.
Mets starter Steven Matz allowed three runs, one earned, in 5 1/3 innings. Three relievers blanked Miami over the final 3 2/3 innings, and Jeurys Familia (1-0) pitched a perfect eighth.
The Marlins loaded the bases with none out in the ninth against closer Edwin Diaz, who struck out the next three batters.
Starlin Castro hit a two-run homer for Miami, his first, and added an RBI single.
With the score 3-all, Mets pinch hitter Dominic Smith singled to start the ninth. Drew Steckenrider (0-1) then came inside on Lagares as he squared to bunt, hitting him on the right hand. Lagares missed most of last season due to a toe injury.
Amed Rosario’s single put the Mets ahead, and on the next pitch, Alonso homered to center field. The rookie is batting .412 with six RBI in four games.
The Mets scored a run in the second with three consecutive hits, including an RBI double by Jeff McNeil. J.D. Davis led off the fourth with a double and scored on a two-out wild pitch.
Castro’s RBI single in the sixth put Miami ahead 3-2 and ended the night for Matz. Lagares tied the score with his homer in the seventh.
Miami’s Caleb Smith, making his first start since June 24, allowed two runs and struck out eight in five innings. His 2018 season was cut short by a strained left lat that required surgery.
Miami righthander Jose Urena (0-1, 9.64), who had a rough outing in an Opening Day loss to the Rockies, makes his second start of the season Tuesday against Mets lefty Jason Vargas (7-9, 5.77 in 2018).
Trainer’s room
Mets slugger Yoenis Cespedes, sidelined until at least mid-July following surgery on both heels, was in the clubhouse before the game and was expected to take swings in the batting cage during the series.
