The New York Mets lost on Opening Day for the second consecutive year after a 3-1 loss to the Houston Astros. History suggests this could actually be a good omen for the Mets' postseason chances.

This was the script from last fall. Regardless of how the first seven or eight innings had gone, the Mets discovered another gear late, often against the opposing team’s most dominant relievers. Here it was, supercharged by the presence of Soto. “If we’ve got Juan up at the end of the game,” said Clay Holmes, “everybody likes our chances.”

Juan Soto hit his first home run with the New York Mets when he connected in the third inning against the Houston Astros