Juan Soto delivered his first signature moment in a Mets uniform and Kodai Senga made a triumphant return to the mound as the New York Mets blanked the Miami Marlins 2-0 on a brisk Monday night at Citi Field.
Signed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract in December, Soto drove in the go-ahead run with an opposite-field double in the third inning off Marlins right-hander Valente Bellozo. Soto’s liner into the left-center gap plated Francisco Lindor, who had singled to open the frame for the second of his three hits on the night.
It was a breakout performance for Soto, who also singled for his first multi-hit game in a Mets uniform. The star outfielder has now hit safely in nine of his first 10 games this season, and his clutch RBI sparked a Mets offense that made the most of limited opportunities on a night when pitching dominated.
Tyrone Taylor added a key insurance run in the eighth with a sharp RBI single off reliever George Soriano, giving the Mets bullpen all the cushion it would need.
Making his first start since July 26 of last season, Senga (1-0) was sharp in his 2024 debut. The right-hander scattered five hits over five scoreless innings, striking out six and walking none. Senga missed the first half of 2023 with a shoulder strain and was sidelined again later that year with a calf issue. Monday marked just his second regular-season win since his standout rookie campaign.
The Mets bullpen continued its early-season dominance, combining for four hitless innings to close out the victory. Danny Young, José Buttó, and Ryne Stanek handled the final 12 outs, with Stanek notching his first save as a Met by retiring the Marlins in order in the ninth.
New York’s relievers lead the majors with a 1.19 ERA, and Monday’s effort marked the club’s second shutout in four days. The Mets have allowed just three runs over the first four games of their current homestand.
Despite the crisp pitching and timely hitting, the night was defined by its frigid conditions — 42 degrees at first pitch, the coldest game-time temperature at Citi Field since 2018. Players bundled up with gaiters and long sleeves as they battled the elements.
For Miami, Bellozo (0-1) made his major league debut in place of Sandy Alcantara, who was placed on the paternity list. The 25-year-old allowed one run on five hits over 3 2/3 innings. Griffin Conine provided the Marlins’ defensive highlight, making a full-extension diving catch in left field to rob Mark Vientos and save a run in the third inning.
Catcher Nick Fortes returned to the Miami lineup after battling a neck issue but went 0-for-2.
Lindor’s three-hit night brought him to 1,500 career hits in the big leagues — a milestone moment for the veteran shortstop.
The Mets and Marlins continue their series Tuesday afternoon, with first pitch moved up to 4:10 p.m. ET due to forecasted inclement weather. Clay Holmes (0-1) will start for New York, while Connor Gillispie gets the nod for Miami.
