Pitching Fails Mets Again

New York's lead down to one game over surging Philadelphia
By Jesse Andrews,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 26, 2007 11:55 PM CDT
Pitching Fails Mets Again
New York Mets closer Billy Wagner reacts on the mound after giving up a two-run double to Washington Nationals' Ryan Church in the Mets 9-6 loss in their baseball game at Shea Stadium in New York, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)   (Associated Press)

The Mets squandered an early 5-0 lead against a plucky Nationals club and lost, 9-6, due this time to poor pitching from rookies instead of veterans. In his first MLB start, Philip Humber gave up five runs in four-plus innings, two inherited by rookie reliever Joe Smith. The Mets' division lead is down to one game after another Phillies win.

The Mets wasted three early homers—one by Moises Alou, who extended his hitting streak to thirty games, a franchise record. Washington improved to 5-1 against New York in the past ten days. With San Diego winning again to maintain their wild card lead, and now sharing the same record at 87-71, the Mets' risk of missing the playoffs entirely also grew if they can't stay ahead in the East. (More MLB stories.)

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