The Mets started their 2018 season off on the right foot Thursday with a 9-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field.

New York plated five runs in the bottom of the fifth to break a 3-3 tie and take a lead they would never relinquish. New Met Adrian Gonzalez plated fellow new Met Todd Frazier with a double to give the Mets a 4-3 lead with one out. After a walk and a sacrifice bunt, shortstop Amed Rosario drove in two more runs with a single to make it 6-3. A single from Yoenis Cespedes then made it 7-3, and Jay Bruce capped the inning with a single of his own to make it 8-3.

Mets starter Noah Syndergaard got the win. He struck out 10 batters in six innings of work, but he did allow four runs (all earned) on six hits, including home runs to Yadier Molina and Jose Martinez.

Cespedes went 2 for 5 with 3 RBI. Gonzalez and catcher Kevin Plawecki were each 2-for-3 with two walks. Center fielder Brandon Nimmo was also 2-for-3 with a walk; he was also hit by a pitch.

Starter Carlos Martinez suffered the loss for St. Louis. He gave up five runs (four earned) in 4 1/3 innings pitched. He only allowed four hits, but he walked six.

The Mets next take the field Saturday for game two of a three-game series against the Cardinals at Citi Field. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m.