PITTSBURGH - The opener of the three-game series between the New York Mets and the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday was postponed because of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ivan.

The game was called off more than four hours before the scheduled first pitch at 7:05 p.m. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader Sunday at 1:35 p.m.

Kris Benson (12-11), traded from the Pirates to the Mets six weeks ago, will make his first start in Pittsburgh in an opposing uniform Sunday, with Aaron Heilman (1-1) going in the other game. Ryan Vogelsong (5-12) and David Williams (1-1) will pitch for Pittsburgh.

The rain out was the Pirates' 10th weather-related postponement this season, the most they've had since they also had 10 in 1973. They have had six postponements or cancellations at home, including a scheduled Sept. 8 game against Milwaukee that will not be made up.

Friday had been the rescheduled date for a fireworks night promotion postponed Sept. 10 because of Hurricane Frances. The show is now scheduled for Wednesday, after a game against the Cubs.

Ben Acre of Cabot scored a hole-in-one at the Grand Strand Golf Course during a golf vacation recently in Myrtle Beach, S.C.Acre used a 3-iron to score his ace on the 191-yard No. 6 hole.