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Kearns, Nationals continue to haunt slumping Mets

Sep 26, 2007 - 4:04 AM By Doug Mittler PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- The Washington Nationals pounded Tom Glavine and put even more pressure on rookie Philip Humber and the pitching-deficient New York Mets.

Austin Kearns hit a three-run homer and Tony Batista and Justin Maxwell added solo shots as the Nationals survived a furious rally to defeat the Mets, 10-9, for the second straight night and handed Glavine his first loss in almost three months.

The Nationals banged out 16 hits and defeated the Mets (87-70) for the fourth time in five meetings this month.

"It's a big game no matter what (Wednesday's) situation is," Glavine said. "I was fighting my mechanics, not trying to put any extra pressure on myself."

The Mets rallied for six runs in the ninth as Jose Reyes hit a three-run homer off Jesus Colome and Moises Alou hit a three-run double off closer Chad Cordero to cut the deficit to 10-9.

However, Jon Rauch struck out Carlos Delgado while pinch runner Endy Chavez stole third. Paul Lo Duca then flew out to end it.

"It doesn't mean a thing. You lose by eight runs or by one, it's a loss," Lo Duca said. "It's tough to sleep on this one."

New York (87-70) remained two games ahead of the Phillies (85-72) in the National League East. The Phillies lost, 10-6, to Atlanta, so the Mets' magic number for clinching their second straight division title was reduced to four.

The Mets desperately needed a strong effort from Glavine (13-7), but the two-time Cy Young Award winner lasted just five innings and allowed six runs and nine hits.

Glavine worked just five innings in his previous start, a no-decision at Florida in a game the Mets ultimately lost. The lefthander had gone 14 starts without a loss since his last defeat July 2 at Colorado.

Tuesday's game took on added importance with Humber scheduled to make his first career start in the series finale on Wednesday night. In a pivotal game, the Mets will hand the ball to a former first-round draft pick who has all of five innings of major league experience.

The Mets have allowed at least six runs in eight of their last 10 games.

Alou extended his hitting streak to 29 games for the Mets, but there were few key hits for New York, which grounded into a season-high four double plays, including two by David Wright. Both were with two men on base.

"We're obviously scuffling now and we need to play better," Wright said. "We can't rely on the Braves."

Reyes homered in the bottom of the first, the 10th time in his career he has led off a first inning with a home run.

Jason Bergmann (6-5) won his fifth straight decision, allowing three runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.

"It's fantastic when you get a 4-0 lead off Tom Glavine," said Bergmann, who celebrated his 26th birthday. "They're a first-place team and they're tough to pitch to."

Nationals manager Manny Acta used three relievers, including rookie Jonathan Albaladejo, who faced just one batter and got Wright to hit into a double play in the seventh.

The Nationals won their 71st game, equaling their victory total for all of last season.

Washington jumped on Glavine for four runs in the first. Kearns hit his 16th home run of the season and second three-run blast in as many nights. Batista homered later in the inning.

"I thought our guys were patient (against Glavine,)" Acta said. "He didn't have his normal command, and they got him behind in the count."

Alou had an infield single in the second inning to extend his hitting streak. Alou later scored when Shawn Green fouled off seven straight 3-2 pitches before grounding a single to center field to make it 4-2.

Wily Mo Pena had an RBI single in the third, and Maxwell led off the fourth with a homer for Washington to increase the lead to 6-2.

Green singled for his 2,000th career hit in the fifth and scored on a double by pinch hitter Ruben Gotay. The Mets had a chance to get closer, but Wright hit into a 5-4-3 double play started with a nice backhanded stop by Ryan Zimmerman at third base.

Washington's Brian Schneider had a two-run single in the seventh off reliever Jorge Sosa and added an RBI single in the ninth off Aaron Sele.