Early Homers, Manaea’s Perfect Start Propel Mets Past Marlins 7-5

Power Surge Builds Early Lead

The New York Mets jumped out to an explosive start on Tuesday night, building a seven run lead through the first five innings to secure a 7-5 victory over the Miami Marlins. Francisco Lindor set the tone immediately, driving Sandy Alcantara’s very first pitch of the game 405 feet to right-center field for a quick 1-0 lead. Alcantara struggled with his command early, walking the next two batters before giving up an RBI single to Jared Young that extended the lead to 2-0.

In the second inning, Juan Soto added to the damage by crushing a 417-foot, three run shot his 24th home run of the season to push the lead to 5-0. Brett Baty also went deep and drove in two runs during the night as New York compiled a comfortable 7-0 cushion. Alcantara (13-10) took the loss, allowing seven runs on seven hits and four walks over 4 1/3 innings. Miami’s pitching staff has struggled in this matchup, as Alcantara and Monday’s starter, Eury Pérez, have combined to surrender 14 runs to their NL East rivals across the first two games of the series.

Manaea Flawless Before Sixth-Inning Rally

Mets starter Sean Manaea dominated early, retiring his first 15 batters in order as he carried a bid for his second career no-hitter and the 25th perfect game in Major League Baseball history into the sixth frame. Manaea was exceptionally efficient, throwing 61 pitches 45 for strikes while striking out four and walking none.

However, the perfect game bid vanished when Jakob Marsee opened the top of the sixth with a bloop single over third base. The hit opened the floodgates for Miami, as the left-hander gave up five consecutive hits to start the inning without recording an out. Jared Serna and Brian Navarreto delivered back-to-back RBI doubles, followed by a run scoring single from Otto Lopez that trimmed New York’s lead to 7-3 and forced Manaea (5-7) out of the game. Relief pitcher Jonathan Pintaro induced a double play, but Javier Sanoja followed with an RBI single to make it 7-4. Sanoja’s hit extended his personal hitting streak to a career-best nine games.

Senga Shuts the Door in the Ninth

Despite outhitting New York 10-8, Miami’s late rally fell just short. In the ninth inning, trailing 7-4, the Marlins threatened again when Joe Mack hit a one-out double off Mets closer Kodai Senga and scored on an RBI double by Marsee, who finished the night with three hits. Serna also chipped in with two doubles for Miami.

With the potential tying runs looming, Senga locked down the victory by striking out pinch-hitter Owen Caissie and Kyle Stowers in succession to earn his seventh save of the season. The win marks the Mets’ third straight victory and their fifth win in six games, helping them climb out of the NL East cellar.

Wednesday Night Matchup

The series concludes on Wednesday night. Mets right-hander Robert Stock (1-3, 5.81 ERA) will take the mound for the finale against Marlins right-hander Janson Junk (6-9, 4.00 ERA).