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Giancarlo Stanton hits 1st homer of spring training off Mejia to help Marlins beat Mets 7-5

Associated Press
Published | Updated

New York Mets relief pitcher Jenrry Mejia, right, stand on the mound after giving up a three-run home run to Miami Marlins non-roster invitee Casey Kotchman, background, during the first inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (The Associated Press)

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco throws a pitch during the first inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (The Associated Press)

Giancarlo Stanton hit his first homer of spring training Tuesday to help the Miami Marlins beat the New York Mets 7-5.

Stanton, who led the NL in slugging last year and had 37 home runs, homered off Hansel Robles. Matt Downs also homered off Robles.

Casey Kotchman hit a grand slam in his first at-bat of spring training against Mets starter Jenrry Mejia, who needed 30 pitches to get through his one inning and allowed five runs.

Kotchman had been sidelined for the past week after he ran into a pop-up machine during drills and needed four stitches to close a cut on his left ring finger.

Ricky Nolasco, the Marlins' likely opening day starter, pitched two scoreless innings in his first outing of spring training.