CINCINNATI � One game in, that new Mets bullpen sure looks good.

Daniel Murphy drove in both New York runs with a homer and a groundout Monday, a memorable showing in his first big league opener, and the Mets' rebuilt bullpen made it hold up for a 2-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on a raw, cold afternoon.

The Mets were known for meltdowns the last two seasons, blowing division leads in September. They tried to fix their biggest problem � the balky bullpen � by signing Francisco Rodriguez and trading for J.J. Putz at the winter meetings, bringing in two pitchers with a knack for closing games.

The first time out, they were nearly perfect.