For posterity, proof that the Mets were actually in first place
If you're a Mets fan, today is a good day. It's probably the last time you can say your team is in first place (or at least tied for it) in the NL East. It may also be one of the few times the Mets are above .500 this season. The Mets managed to defeat their long-time rivals, the Atlanta Braves, 1-0 at Citi Field this afternoon to open the season. Attendance at the game was reportedly 42,080, a record for Citi Field.
Johan Santana pitched five scoreless innings in his first regular season game since September 2, 2010. He allowed two hits, two walks while striking out five. The Mets bullpen also managed to hold things together, with four pitchers giving up two hits to the Braves. David Wright had the lone RBI, scoring Andres Torres with a single. Torres, the starting centerfielder, left the game in the 7th inning with a strained calf. The injury, which kept him out for two weeks during Spring Training, will likely send him to the disabled list.
The Mets, who are celebrating their 50th season, honored Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter prior to the game. Carter, who passed away in February, will be honored this season with a patch on the Mets uniforms. Carter's family threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
