Francisco Lindor homered off Ryan Fernandez leading off the ninth inning, and the New York Mets survived a late blown lead to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4.

Mark Vientos hit his first homer of the season to spark a four-run second inning, and the New York Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 in the opener of a four-game series.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets MLB game to be played on April 17, 2025 on ESPN.

Thursday was Soto’s first game back in New York since his comments on how “different” things have been not hitting in front of Yankees slugger Judge, whom he called “the best hitter in baseball.” In free agency, Soto turned down the Yankees’ 16-year, $760 million offer for the Mets’: 15 years, $765 million (which could reach $805 million).

Soto didn’t hear the restless crowd, he told The Post. He was focused on the Mets, on his at-bats, on the “couple rockets right in front of people” that turned into outs. Any frustration Soto — in the first season of a 15-year deal — has over his .221 average gets balanced by knowledge that struggles are just “part of the game.”

Preview the April 18 matchup between the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Cardinals and the Mets Rotoworld Best Bet. Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, c