New York almost blows early lead over Florida

By TIMES WIRES
Published August 3, 2006

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MIAMI - New York took advantage of four Florida errors, and closer Billy Wagner escaped a ninth-inning jam by striking out the side.

Florida's errors, which matched its season worst, led to two unearned runs and a 6-0 deficit by the third.

Wagner needed 22 pitches in the ninth.

Wes Helms singled to open the inning and pinch-hitter Brian Moehler, a pitcher, was hit by a pitch. But Wagner got out of trouble by striking out Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla and Miguel Cabrera.

Cabrera earlier hit his 17th homer and drove in four for Florida, and Ramirez hit his 11th home run.

Two errors helped the Mets score two unearned runs in a four-run first. A throwing error by second baseman Alfredo Amezaga sent another unearned run home in the third to make the score 6-0.

Notable: The Mets have scored 98 in the first inning, nearly one per game.