Mets, Red-Hot Juan Soto Riding Four-Game Winning Streak Into Mariners Series

The New York Mets enjoyed a three-game sweep over its National League East rival, the Miami Marlins, returning the favor just one week after the roles were reversed in Miami.

It was a great end to May, as the Mets lit up the Marlins like a Christmas tree, defeating the Fish 10-1 to complete the sweep at home. New York hit three home runs, including a grand slam off the bat of star left fielder Juan Soto for the final dagger.

Right fielder Carson Benge opened the scoring with a leadoff homer, followed by a two-run shot from second baseman Marcus Semien in the second inning. An Owen Caissie RBI double in the fourth was immediately answered by a two-run single by catcher Luis Torrens, which was followed by an RBI walk by infielder Bo Bichette and Soto’s grand slam in the sixth.

Mets right-hander Nolan McLean allowed one run on two hits in five innings to earn the win, but he allowed five walks and struck out just two batters. He has scuffled in his last few starts, but limiting the damage to one was a promising sign that he will get back to form soon.

The Marlins opted for a bullpen game, and it didn’t go well for several relievers. Four of the seven pitchers used by Miami allowed at least one run and three of the four allowed two or more.

New York sets its sights on the Seattle Mariners, which are on a heater as well and in first place of the American League West at 31-29. Right-handed reliever Austin Warren will open for lefty Sean Manaea against Seattle’s Emerson Hancock in the opener of the three-game set.

Warren is 1-1 with a 1.40 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 22 strikeouts through 14 appearances (19.1 innings). He will give way to Manaea, who steps into fellow southpaw David Peterson’s role after being moved to the bullpen.

Manaea is 0-1 with a 5.56 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 38 strikeouts through 12 games (34 innings). Manaea has stepped up for the Mets in the past and this is an opportunity for him to stick in the starting rotation, even if he requires an opener.

Hancock has been the ace of a loaded Mariners starting staff, posting a 4-2 record with a 2.78 ERA (13th), 1.01 WHIP (tied-11th) and 63 strikeouts through 11 starts (64.2 innings). The reliable right-hander last pitched against the Athletics and tossed six one-hit innings with two walks and three punchouts.

First pitch is at 9:40 p.m. EDT on MLB.TV and regional sports networks.