The game started out great for the Mets as Johan Santana had an easy 1-2-3 1st inning.  David Wright got the Mets offense started with a 2 run homerun in the 1st inning.  It was a nice shot right down the right field line.  He struggled last year especially with hitting homeruns and that was a perfect start.  Johan Santana was cruising before running into trouble in the 4th inning.  He gave up a single followed by a stolen base, walk and a long fly ball to center field that moved the runners up one base.  He retired Ronny Paulino to end the inning though on a short fly ball to center field.  The Mets looked like they would ride that momentum when they loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning with no outs.  Santana hit a short fly to center though that didn't get the run in and then Alex Cora lined into an inning ending double play. 

Johan Santana was still rolling along with a 2-0 lead until the 6th inning.  He gave up a couple of hits including an rbi double by Jorge Cantu.  He appeared to be out at 2nd on the play but was called safe allowing the inning to continue.  Johan Santana wasn't affected by that though as he got through the inning with no further damage.  The Mets opened up the game in the bottom of the 6th inning with some help by a poor Marlins defense.  The Mets scored 4 runs starting off with a Jason Bay triple to open the inning.  Jeff Francoeur drove him home with a sacrifice fly and Rod Barajas had a rbi double followed by a rbi single by Angel Pagan who was pinch hitting for Johan Santana.  This inning was important because the Mets were holding a very slim 2-1 lead and Santana was coming out of the game so if they didn't score who knows what could of happened with the bullpen.  The Marlins also committed 3 errors in the inning to help the Mets along.

Johan Santana pitching line was 6 innings, 1 run on 4 hits with 5 strikeouts and 2 walks.  Fernando Nieve came on in relief and pitched 2 strong innings allowing a couple of hits but no runs and closer Francisco Rodriguez closed out the game in a non save situation with a perfect inning.  The newcomers all had good offensive days with Jason Bay, Rod Barajas and Gary Matthews Jr. all contributing 2 hits each. 

It was a happy day all around for a team that is trying to erase a bad taste they have in their mouths from last season.  Rod Barajas after the game talked about Santana and said "he controlled the game."  He stated that he had good rhythm and is easy to work with.  He also said he was happy to work with Francisco Rodriguez for the first time and that he was happy to contribute to the offense as well.  Johan Santana said it was good to get a win out of the way and now they can feel confident going into Wednesday and keep it going.  He said they can start to erase last year.  The Mets and Marlins will have tomorrow off and then continue their series on Wednesday and Thursday.

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