The New York Mets overcame a blown save by All-Star closer Billy Wagner on Sunday to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in a game delayed by rain for more than 2 1/2 hours.
Journeyman Fernando Tatis blasted a two run home run to give the Mets the lead in the top of the 12th inning. Reliever Joe Smith (1-1) got the win while Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick (8-4) took the loss.
Up-and-down starter Oliver Perez (6-5) had one of the best outings of this season, throwing for seven scoreless innings and giving up only four hits, drawing a no-decision after Wagner's sixth blown save of the season. Perez also struck out six batters.
Wagner was one strike away from sealing the Mets' victory in the bottom of the ninth. New York had a 2-0 lead when Wagner entered the game, but Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino drew a lead-off single to start the inning.
Wagner retired the next two batters, bringing lead-off hitter Jayson Werth to the plate. Drawing a 1-2 count, Werth launched Wagner's slider over the center field wall to tie the game at 2-2. Wagner then allowed a base hit to Chase Utley before retiring Jimmy Rollins to end the inning.
The Mets' two runs in regulation were driven in by outfielder Carlos Beltran, who hit his 13th home run of the season in the third inning. Beltran also had a single in the 8th, which scored shortstop Jose Reyes from third.
The Phillies stranded 14 baserunners, and had a chance in the eighth to tie the game. Coming back from the rain delay, reliever Pedro Feliciano was facing Ryan Howard with two men on, and Howard struck out swinging. Aaron Heilman then came in to face Pat Burrell, who walked to load the bases. Pedro Feliz then grounded out to Heilman to end the inning.
The Mets have now evened their record at 44-44, and are 3 1/2 games behind the Phillies for first place in the NL East. They will face the Phillies again on Monday.
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3 months ago
This was a tough one to sit through, especially with a three hour rain delay.
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