Delgado homer sinks Bucs in 12th
NEW YORK — After another blown save, Billy Wagner was bailed out by the other big star the New York Mets acquired last fall.
Carlos Delgado homered leading off the 12th inning Wednesday night, giving New York a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates after Wagner cost Pedro Martinez his sixth win.
"We're all behind Billy," Delgado said. "He's going to save a lot more games than he's going to blow. We want him on the mound every night in the ninth inning when we've got a lead. It's as simple as that."
Substitute outfielder Endy Chavez sparked New York's offense from the No. 8 spot on a rainy night at Shea Stadium, and Delgado drove in two runs.
Handed a 3-1 lead in the ninth, Wagner walked two and then gave up consecutive RBI singles to Jose Hernandez and Ronny Paulino with two outs. Wagner, who signed a $43 million, four-year contract in the offseason, has three blown saves in 10 chances.
"Pedro pitched a great game, the team played well and I didn't do my job," he said. "Tonight I beat myself, and that's what's frustrating."
His latest failure prevented Martinez from becoming the first six-game winner in the major leagues. Martinez fanned nine in six sharp innings and was one out from winning his first six starts for the second time in his career.
"Billy is the same regardless of what happened. I know he probably doesn't feel as good as he would like to, but he battled," Martinez said. "He's going to be right out there tomorrow and ready to go."
Jose Reyes hit an RBI triple and Delgado had a run-scoring double for the Mets, who sent Pittsburgh to its 14th loss in 16 road games this season. The punchless Pirates (8-21) have scored three runs or fewer in 15 of their past 17 games.
"We are giving ourselves opportunities to win," manager Jim Tracy said. "They got a big hit we were not able to get, but we want to be in positions like we were in tonight."
Delgado drove a 1-1 pitch from Mike Gonzalez (0-2) over the left-center fence for his 11th homer.
"I threw him a fastball. It was down and away. He just went down and got it," Gonzalez said.
With his 380th career homer, Delgado passed Hall of Famers Tony Perez and Orlando Cepeda.
"I'm flattered," Delgado said. "But the way I look at it, I've got a few years left."
It was his fourth game-ending shot and first since July 8, 2004.
"Best feeling in the world. You can jog around the bases and nobody can get you out," he said.
Chad Bradford (1-1) pitched two scoreless innings for the win.
