New Met Santana Aces Up in Debut

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. (More baseball stories.)