Pedro Martinez pitched a two-hitter and the New York Mets finally got their first win of the season, overcoming John Smoltz's 15 strikeouts in a 6-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.
Carlos Beltran hit a go-ahead homer off Smoltz in the eighth, and Cliff Floyd and David Wright connected later in the inning to send Willie Randolph to his first victory as a manager.
Martinez (1-0) retired his final 16 batters, struck out nine and walked only one. After the bullpen cost him a win on opening day in Cincinnati, the Mets' new ace finished this one himself for his 43rd career complete game and fourth two-hitter.
Smoltz (0-2) tied his Atlanta record for strikeouts and led 1-0 through seven innings. But Jose Reyes led off the eighth with a single and moved up on Miguel Cairo's sacrifice before Beltran drove a 2-1 pitch over the right-field fence, chasing Smoltz.
The Mets started 0-5 for the first time since 1963 -- their second year of existence. Boosted by the victory, they now head to New York for their home opener Monday against Houston.
Marlins 8, Nationals 0
At Miami, Josh Beckett pitched a five-hitter with 11 strikeouts for his second career shutout, and Juan Encarnacion hit his second grand slam of the week to help Florida beat Washington.
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