Alcantara wins first MLB start as Marlins beat Mets 8-2

MIAMI -- Sandy Alcantara was one of the key prospects the Miami Marlins acquired in their offseason overhaul, and he showed plenty of promise in his first career start.

The 22-year old right-hander made his much-anticipated Marlins debut and allowed just one run over five innings as the Miami Marlins defeated the New York Mets 8-2 on Friday night.

"It feels really good," Alcantara said. "I'm super excited."

Alcantara (1-0) struck out two and gave up five walks and three hits.

"A little bit wild, a little bit of trouble with the strike zone, but being able to get through five -- he's still a work in progress," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said.

The 22-year old right-hander was the top prospect acquired in the offseason trade that sent Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals. Alcantara made eight relief appearances for the Cardinals last season.

"(Alcantara) has a very promising future," Mets manager Mickey Callaway said.

JT Riddle hit a three-run homer and Lewis Brinson, who had three hits, also homered in a pivotal six-run third inning.

"JT able to hit that just kind of breaks it open from there and we're in pretty good shape," Mattingly said

Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto returned to the lineup after missing four games with a hand injury. Realmuto went 1 of 4 with an RBI and also picked off a runner at second base.

"It's one of the reasons why he's the best catcher in all of baseball," Riddle said of Realmuto's pickoff. "To do stuff like that, a lot of people don't do that and for a catcher to be able to do that defensively plus the way he swings the bat, it's very good."

New York's Corey Oswalt (0-1) started in place of Jacob deGrom, who was scratched hours before the game to deal with a family matter. The Mets expect deGrom to start Saturday afternoon.

Oswalt looked nothing like deGrom, whose 1.69 ERA is the best in the majors. Oswalt allowed six hits and six runs in just 2 2/3 innings. All six of the runs Oswalt allowed came in the third inning.

"It didn't change anything," Oswalt said of the late notice. "I went out there and tried to attack the zone. I just didn't make enough pitches today."

Brinson led off the third with his 10th home run of the season. Realmuto and Starlin Castro followed with run-scoring singles before Riddle's three-run blast to right field gave the Marlins a 6-0 lead.

Devin Mesoraco had an RBI double for the Mets, who have lost nine of 10.

"We weren't really in this game tonight," Callaway said.

Cameron Maybin knocked in Brinson in the sixth to give the Marlins a 7-1 lead.

BRINSON A TRIPLE SHY OF CYCLE

Brinson recorded a single, double, and home run for his third game this month with at least three hits. He grounded into a double play in his fourth at-bat to foil his attempt for the cycle.

BAUTISTA AND FLORES MAKE IT 14 STRAIGHT

New York's Jose Bautista and Wilmer Flores each reached base each extending their streaks to 14 games.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Mets: LHP Jason Vargas (calf) is expected to rejoin the rotation next week. ... OF Yoenis Cespedes (hip) remained in Port St. Lucie, Florida, rather than joining the team for this series. Cespedes will continue to receive treatment and physical therapy.

Marlins: LHP Caleb Smith (lat) will have season-ending surgery. Smith finishes his rookie season with a 5-6 record and 4.19 ERA with 88 strikeouts.

UP NEXT

Mets: RHP Jacob deGrom (5-3, 1.69 ERA) is expected to return to the team and start the second game of the series.

Marlins: RHP Pablo Lopez is slated to make his MLB debut.