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Harvey shines as Mets down White Sox in extras

May 8, 2013 - 5:55 AM Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - Mike Baxter's pinch-hit single in the bottom of the 10th inning plated the game's only run and lifted the New York Mets to a 1-0 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday in the opener of a two-game set at Citi Field.

New York starter Matt Harvey was the story for much of the night, as the 24- year-old right-hander struck out a career-high 12 batters and allowed just one hit -- an infield single to Alex Rios with two outs in the seventh -- over nine stellar frames.

"He's as advertised. You hear about guys, especially when they're not in your league and you don't see them very much. But as far as what you see throughout the league, he has as dominating stuff as anyone we've seen," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said of Harvey.

The Mets' offense, meanwhile, managed just four hits until the decisive 10th inning, which started with Ike Davis' leadoff walk off Chicago reliever Nate Jones (0-3).

Davis then moved to second on Juan Lagares' bunt before racing home on Baxter's pinch-hit single to right that sent the Mets to their third victory in their last four games.

Bobby Parnell (3-0) pitched a perfect top of the 10th to earn the win.

Chicago starter Hector Santiago was nearly as impressive as Harvey, giving up just four hits and two walks while fanning eight over seven strong frames. However, it wasn't enough to keep the White Sox from falling for the third time in their last four tries.

Harvey retired the first 20 hitters he faced in order without much trouble, before Rios slapped a soft grounder to the hole at shortstop with two away in the seventh.

Ruben Tejada made a backhand stop to keep the ball in the infield, but his leaping throw to first was a second too late, as Rios crossed the bag just before Davis caught the ball at first to end Harvey's perfect-game bid.

"After he got the hit I knew there were more innings to come. I had to minimize the damage. I went out and did my thing and tried to keep runners off base. Fortunately for us I was able to do that," said Harvey.

Harvey bounced back by fanning Adam Dunn before setting the White Sox down in order over his final two frames, with the last two outs coming via strikeout.

With Harvey's pitch count at 105, Parnell took over to start the 10th and quickly disposed of the White Sox to set the table for Baxter's heroics in the bottom of the frame.

Game Notes

Harvey is the first MLB pitcher since at least 1916 to allow one or fewer hits with zero walks and at least 12 strikeouts in nine innings and not win. Harvey's 6 2/3 perfect frames was the longest by a Met since Rick Reed also went 6 2/3 perfect innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 8, 1998 ... The White Sox and Mets are meeting for just the second series ever and the first since Chicago took two of three matchups in the Windy City in 2002 ... Chicago claimed first baseman Mike McDade off waivers from Cleveland and optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday. The White Sox also transferred pitcher Gavin Floyd to the 60-day disabled list after the right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday.