NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto hit a grand slam, Carson Benge launched his first leadoff homer and the New York Mets routed the Miami Marlins 10-1 on Sunday to finish a three-game sweep.
Marcus Semien had a two-run homer and Luis Torrens laced a two-run single as the Mets matched a season high with their fourth consecutive victory. New York scored 25 runs in the series after totaling two last weekend while getting swept in three games at Miami.
Benge, making
his 22nd start atop the batting order, became the first Mets rookie to homer leading off a game since Kirk Nieuwenhuis against Tampa Bay on June 14, 2012.
Semien hit a two-run homer in the second, Torrens added a two-run single with two outs in the fourth and Soto hit his third career slam to cap a five-run sixth as the Mets inched past the Marlins into fourth place in the NL East.
It was New York's first grand slam this season.
Nolan McLean (3-4) allowed one run but walked a career-high five over five laborious innings. The rookie right-hander has a 9.00 ERA with nine walks in his last three starts after opening the season with a 2.92 ERA and 15 walks in his first nine outings.
David Peterson, demoted to the bullpen this week, gave up one hit in four innings for his first regular-season save in the majors.
Owen Caissie had an RBI double in the fourth for the Marlins, who have lost five in a row and finished 11-18 in May.
John King (1-1) took the loss after giving up two runs in 1 2/3 innings as an opener for the Marlins, who used seven pitchers after scheduled starter Janson Junk was placed on the injured list with right shin inflammation.
Third baseman Javier Sanoja pitched a perfect eighth.
Marlins: Continue a nine-game trip Monday, when RHP Sandy Alcantara (3-4, 4.66 ERA) starts against RHP Cade Cavalli (3-3, 3.62) and the Washington Nationals.
Mets: Going with a bullpen game Monday night, when New York opens a six-game trip against RHP Emerson Hancock (4-2, 2.78 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners.
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