Mets top Marlins on disputed hit by pitch

Jeff McNeil launched a tying homer in the bottom of the ninth inning on his 29th birthday and the New York Mets were handed the winning run on a disputed hit by pitch for a bizarre 3-2 victory over the Miami Marlins in their home opener Thursday.

With the bases loaded and one out, a scuffling Michael Conforto appeared to stick out his right elbow pad just enough to get it grazed by a 1-2 breaking ball from closer Anthony Bass that looked to be in the strike zone.

Plate umpire and crew chief Ron Kulpa at first signaled strike, then quickly ruled Conforto was hit by the pitch. Conforto headed toward first base as Luis Guillorme scored and the Mets celebrated a comeback win in front of the first crowd at Citi Field in 557 days.

Cubs 4, Pirates 2 — Jayy Baez hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the sixth inning in Chicago’s victory over

Pittsburgh.

Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo also homered as the Cubs pounded out a seasonhigh 11 hits against Tyler Anderson (0-2) and four relievers. Baez, Rizzo, Bryant and Jake Marisnick had two hits each.

Rockies 7, Diamondbacks 3 — Jon Gray took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning and got his first win of the season, pitching Colorado past Arizona.

Gray (1-0) allowed three runners through six innings. Daniel Bard relieved with two on in the ninth and got the two outs for his second save.

Cardinals 3, Brewers 1 — Nolan Arenado hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the eighth inning of his home debut with the Cardinals, lifting St. Louis over Milwaukee as fans returned to Busch Stadium for the first time since 2019.

Reliever Alex Reyes finished the six-hitter for his third save.

American League

Twins 10, Mariners 2 — Mitch Garver, Byron Buxton and Luis Arraez hit home runs to back another strong start by José Berríos, providing the Minnesota fans plenty to cheer for in their return to Target Field as the Twins beat the Seattle Mariners.

The Twins, whose only two losses have been 10thinning walk-offs, wound up with a season-high 16 hits. Buxton went 3 for 5 with two more extra-base hits, Arraez drove in three runs, and Andrelton Simmons had two of the team’s six doubles.

White Sox 6, Royals 0 — Lance Lynn pitched a fivehitter for the first complete game and shutout in the majors this season, and Chicago beat Kansas City.

Yermín Mercedes kept up his scorching start with a 485-foot homer, and Yoán Moncada also went deep.

Lynn (1-0) struck out 11 and walked none.