The Mets get tasked with kicking off '68 on the left coast against the formidable San Francisco Giants. Mets jump to a 1-0 lead in top 1st but Steve Carlton concedes a two-run homer to Jim Ray Hart in the 2nd and eight earned runs over 6 1/3 innings in a 11-6 loss.
Offense did its part, tagging Juan Marichal for six runs and nine hits over his 6 1/3 innings of work. Big days for Reggie Smith (HR), Tony Perez, rookie Johnny Bench and Bud Harrelson in the loss.
Mets fall to 5-2 in Opening Day games.
