A five-run ninth inning turned a close game into an easy win.

The Mets opened their four-game series in San Diego with a win, and while they led the entire way, a five-run top of the ninth gave them turned a close game into an easy 8-3 win.

Luis Severino wasn’t nearly as sharp as he was in the shutout he threw in his previous start, but he was effective against a Padres team that has played exceptionally well since the All-Star break. He went five innings and gave up just one run, but his five strikeouts were somewhat undone by the four walks that he issued.

As for the runs the Mets scored, Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos hit back-to-back doubles to start the game in the top of the first. And in the fourth, they added a couple of runs on a passed ball…