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New Met Santana Aces Up in Debut

Mets extract revenge against team that knocked them out of playoffs in '07

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 31, 2008 11:50 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Johan Santana provided the kind of starting pitching the Mets paid $137.5 million for, throwing seven strong innings and striking out eight in a victorious debut, 7-2 over Florida. David Wright's bases-loaded double during a six-run fourth inning provided all the offense the ace lefty would need, writes the Times. Wright, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran had two hits apiece.

Expectations entering the season have been high for the former Cy Young winner as the Mets hope to rebound from a  historic late-season collapse, caused partially by the Marlins, who defeated them on the final day of the season to wreck New York's playoff hopes. The only blemish for Santana was a two-run homer by Marlins outfielder Josh Willingham in the fourth.

Florida Marlins' Jorge Cantu slides after being forced out at second base by New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes (7) in the seventh inning in Miami, Monday, March 31, 2008.
Florida Marlins' Jorge Cantu slides after being forced out at second base by New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes (7) in the seventh inning in Miami, Monday, March 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
Baseball fans at the opening day baseball game between the New York Mets and Florida Marlins ask Endy Chavez for autographs in Miami, Monday, March 31, 2008.
Baseball fans at the opening day baseball game between the New York Mets and Florida Marlins ask Endy Chavez for autographs in Miami, Monday, March 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana delivers in the second inning against the Florida Marlins in a Major League baseball action in Miami, Monday, March 31, 2008. The Mets won 7-2.
New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana delivers in the second inning against the Florida Marlins in a Major League baseball action in Miami, Monday, March 31, 2008. The Mets won 7-2.   (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
New York Mets batter David Wright hits a fourth inning double that scored three runs in opening day baseball action in Miami, Monday, March 31, 2008 against the Florida Marlins.
New York Mets batter David Wright hits a fourth inning double that scored three runs in opening day baseball action in Miami, Monday, March 31, 2008 against the Florida Marlins.   (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
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MLB • New York Mets • Florida Marlins • Johan Santana • David Wright • baseball • Jose Reyes • Carlos Beltran • Josh Willingham

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