Mets fall to Marlins 2-1, Can't overcome costly error in pitchers' duel

The New York Mets fell to the Florida Marlins on Sunday by a score of 2-1, despite an outstanding performance by Met starting pitcher Johan Santana.

Santana, who is now 1-1 on the season, took a loss in a start for the first time since June 18, 2008 despite striking out 13 batters in seven innings and allowing only three hits. The two runs scored on the Mets were not charged to Santana.

With two outs in the second inning, Florida's Cody Ross hit a routine fly ball to young Mets left fielder Daniel Murphy. The ball hit Murphy's glove and bounced to the ground, keeping the inning alive and allowing Jeremy Hermida to score.

Then, the Marlins' next batter, Ronny Paulino, hit a single to score Ross.

The Mets made things interesting in the ninth, as Carlos Delgado hit a double with two outs and Carlos Beltran hit a single to score Delgado.

But the next batter, Ryan Church, flied out to Hermida to end New York's chances.

Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson (2-0) pitched the second complete game of his career, struck out seven, and walked just one. He was charged with just five hits in the outing.

The Mets (3-3) return to New York on Monday to play the San Diego Padres. The game will be the Mets' first at their new stadium, Citi Field.

The Marlins (5-1) will travel to Atlanta to play the Braves on Monday night.