**Mets Secure Extra-Innings Victory Over Dodgers in Thrilling Series Opener**

In an exhilarating series opener on Monday evening in Los Angeles, the New York Mets (38-22) edged out the Los Angeles Dodgers (36-24) with a 4-3 win in extra innings. The Mets' formidable pitching staff managed to stifle the league's highest-scoring offense, allowing only three runs over ten innings despite a challenging finish that pushed the game into extra frames.

Francisco Lindor sparked the Mets' offensive effort with a solo home run in the first inning, marking his sixth leadoff homer of the 2025 season. His leadoff shot set the tone for New York, who has now impressively won 27 consecutive games when Lindor goes deep. Lindor's blast, combined with diligent pitching from starter Paul Blackburn, provided the Mets with an early advantage that they would fiercely defend.

Making his season debut, Blackburn (0-0, 0.00 ERA) dazzled on the mound, hurling five scoreless innings and allowing only three hits while striking out three. His performance kept the Dodgers' potent lineup in check, allowing New York to build on their lead. Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez produced back-to-back hits in the fifth, setting the stage for Brandon Nimmo's crucial ground-rule double that pushed the lead to 2-0.

The Dodgers mounted a comeback in the later innings. Shohei Ohtani launched a solo home run in the seventh to trim the Mets' lead. Then, in a tense ninth inning, Edwin Díaz, normally reliable in save situations, surrendered a sacrifice fly to Ohtani, tying the game at 2-2 and forcing it into extra innings.

In the 10th inning, the Mets' offense rallied. Luisangel Acuña, who began on second base per the new extra-innings rule, was promptly driven in by Francisco Alvarez's double. Lindor further extended the lead with an RBI single. Despite a hamstring injury to Mark Vientos, which drew concern from Manager Carlos Mendoza, the Mets finished the inning up 4-2.

The bottom of the 10th was fraught with tension as José Castillo allowed a walk and a single, cutting the Mets' lead to 4-3. However, José Buttó stepped up and secured the final two outs, earning his first save of the season.

Looking ahead, the Mets will start Tylor Megill (4-4, 3.52 ERA) in the next game of the series, hoping to continue their strong performance. Clayton Kershaw (0-0, 4.91 ERA), recently returned from offseason surgeries, will take the mound for the Dodgers.

The Mets' win showcases their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, particularly against formidable opponents like the Dodgers. The series continues with high anticipation as both teams vie for supremacy.