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Easley's blast gives Manuel first win with Mets

Jun 19, 2008 - 6:49 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- The New York Mets are beginning to show signs of life under new manager Jerry Manuel.

Damion Easley's solo home run in the top of the 10th inning helped the Mets claim a 5-4 interleague victory over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Wednesday night.

David Wright tied the contest at 4-4 with a two-out single off Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez in the top of the ninth inning that plated Jose Reyes, who ignited the rally with a one-out single and moved to second on a wild pitch.

"Jose did his job getting on and putting pressure on their defense," Wright said. "I was just trying to hit the ball hard and find a hole."

Easley put the Mets on top for good, stroking his second home run of the season to deep left field off reliever Justin Speier (0-4).

"We didn't give up," Easley said. "Good to put some wins together, and we just need to keep it going. We underperformed with (former manager Willie Randolph), and (it's) good to get on track right now."

Billy Wagner pitched a perfect 10th to notch his 16th save of the season and preserve the win for reliever Duaner Sanchez (3-0), who struck out one in a flawless ninth.

The win was Manuel's first after taking over for Randolph, who was fired early Tuesday morning. After suffering a 6-1 setback in his first game as manager, Manuel appeared on his way to a second straight loss after the Mets let an early three-run lead slip away.

"Good to get the first one out of the way," Manuel said. "This was a good series for us, and just want to put some more (wins) together."

After Reyes scored a run in both the first and third innings, Carlos Delgado gave New York a 3-0 lead with his 10th home run of the season - a solo shot - off Angels starter Jon Garland in the fourth.

Garland allowed just three runs - two earned - and six hits in six innings, walking four while striking out three.

"(I) just had a rough start but managed to settle down and keep us in the game," Garland said. "I was having trouble locating my off-speed pitches early and fell behind in the count."

Anaheim rebounded against New York starter Oliver Perez, narrowing the deficit on an RBI single by Jeff Mathis in the fourth.

Vladimir Guerrero forged a tie an inning later with a two-run single, and Torii Hunter followed with a base hit that plated Howie Kendrick and put the Angels on top, 4-3.

"I thought (Perez) pitched a good game but just couldn't get out of trouble in the fifth," Manuel said.

Perez surrendered four runs and nine hits in six innings with three walks and two strikeouts.

Three Angels relievers bridged the gap to Rodriguez, who blew just his second save of the season after converting 25 consecutive opportunities.

"Frankie just had a bad outing, but we know he will rebound," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He's been one of the best closers this season."