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Beltran, Mets hope to build on walk-off win

Jun 12, 2008 - 11:45 AM Arizona (35-31) at NY Mets (31-33), 1:10 pm EDT

FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- Carlos Beltran and the New York Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday in the finale of a three-game series.

Beltran belted a two-run homer in the 13th inning as the Mets halted a five-game losing streak Wednesday with a dramatic 5-3 triumph over the Diamondbacks. It was Beltran's first walk-off home run since August 22, 2006, during New York's run to the National League East Division crown.

The 31-year-old Beltran is batting .264 with seven home runs and 41 RBI this season.

Arizona's Mark Reynolds blasted a dramatic two-out, game-tying, three-run shot in the ninth inning Wednesday, but the team could not complete the comeback as it lost for the sixth time in nine contests.

New York hopes lefthanded ace Johan Santana (7-4, 3.08 ERA) can keep the team rolling. He gave up two runs - one earned - and seven hits with a walk and five strikeouts over six innings during Friday's 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres.

The 29-year-old Santana will be challenged by righthander Dan Haren (6-4, 3.44), who did not receive a decision in Saturday's 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He yielded three runs with six strikeouts over seven frames.