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Batista beats Marlins to win Mets debut

Sep 2, 2011 - 4:23 AM Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - David Wright and Lucas Duda both drove in a pair of runs as the New York Mets beat the Florida Marlins, 7-5, in the finale of five-game series at Citi Field.

Miguel Batista (4-2) tossed six solid innings in his Mets debut, limiting Florida to two runs on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts to record his 100th career win. New York signed the 40-year-old right-hander to a minor league deal in July after he was released by the St. Louis Cardinals.

"I'm very proud of my career. I'm very happy I got it out of the way," Batista said about his milestone.

Emilio Bonifacio had three RBI for the Marlins, who dropped four of five in the series.

Clay Hensley (2-6) allowed four runs -- two earned - on two hits and two walks in two-plus innings to absorb the loss.

Ahead 4-2, the Mets tacked on three more runs in the eighth. Duda doubled home Ruben Tejada, who was hit on the left hand by a pitch. After Wright drew a walk, Angel Pagan laid down a sacrifice bunt and Florida reliever Steve Cishek made an errant throw to first which enabled Duda to score. An RBI single by Mike Nickeas gave New York a five-run lead.

The Marlins refused to go away quietly in the ninth. With a runner on first and two gone, Jose Lopez doubled in front of Bonifacio's two-run single to center field.

Bobby Parnell relieved D.J. Carrasco and gave up an RBI double to pinch-hitter John Buck. Parnell retired Greg Dobbs on an infield popup to end the game and earn his fourth save.

Mike Stanton drove in Florida's first run with a sacrifice fly in the opening frame. Bonifacio delivered an RBI double in the second to put the Marlins up 2-0.

New York surged ahead with a four-run third. A fielding error by Bonifacio allowed Batista to reach base to start the inning. Jose Reyes singled and a hit batsman loaded the bases.

Burke Badenhop replaced Hensley on a 2-1 count to Wright after he walked Duda to force in a run. Wright then put the Mets in front with a two-run single up the middle. A throwing error by center fielder Bryan Petersen put two men in scoring position, which proved costly when Duda hustled home on a passed ball.

"We were sloppy tonight, no question," said Florida manager Jack McKeon.

Game Notes

New York catcher Josh Thole left Thursday's game in the top of the second inning with a left wrist contusion...The Mets recorded their 3,800th win.