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Lackey, Angels top Manuel's Mets

Jun 18, 2008 - 6:04 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- The Jerry Manuel Era got off to a rocky start for the New York Mets.

Johan Santana was outpitched by John Lackey and the Mets committed two costly errors in a 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Tuesday.

Lackey (4-1) allowed just one run and six hits in 7 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts and one walk. Torii Hunter had a two-run single in a three-run first frame and Jeff Mathis homered for the Angels, who bounced back from a 9-6 loss on Monday.

With the Mets (34-36) needing a spark after an uninspiring start, general manager Omar Minaya fired manager Willie Randolph early Tuesday morning. Randolph had been on the hot seat for weeks, and Minaya's hand was forced after rumors circulated over the weekend that he was thinking about making changes.

"I tried my best tonight, but it just didn't work out," Santana said. "It's kind of weird without Willie, but that's no excuse. Whatever the problem was, it's over with."

"It's a big change, and right now, we just want to move on and wish Willie the best," Mets catcher Brian Schneider said. "It's a little different without Willie, but we just want to get over it as quickly as we can."

Manuel, who managed the Chicago White Sox from 1998-2003 and was the 2000 American League Manager of the Year, was promoted from bench coach to interim manager.

However, the first game without Randolph looked a lot like the previous 69.

"It felt good to be out there again tonight," Manuel said. "Felt like the guys had an emotional letdown, and now it's just a matter of us getting on the same page."

It was a terrible start to the game as shortstop Jose Reyes left with tightness in his left hamstring after he singled to lead off the contest. The 25-year-old was visibly angry when Manuel removed him.

Following the loss, Reyes acknowledged he was wrong to react the way he did.

"I wanted to play, but Jerry was just watching out for me," Reyes said. "I understand what I did wrong and I apologized. My leg is good, and I'll play tomorrow."

Reyes' injury was an ominous sign for the Mets, and things only got worse.

With the Angels trailing, 1-0, Maicer Izturis led off the first with a single and, after a fielder's choice, Vladimir Guerrero doubled. Hunter doubled to left, scoring Garret Anderson and Guerrero for a 2-1 lead.

Casey Kotchman followed with a grounder to first base that Carlos Delgado booted, allowing Hunter to score for a two-run advantage.

Another fielding miscue allowed the Angels to tack on another run in the third. Guerrero hit a two-out single to left field and advanced to second when Marlon Anderson kicked the ball.

After Hunter walked, Kotchman singled to center to make it 4-1. Mathis helped the Angels stretch the lead to 5-1 with a solo shot to left in the sixth.

Santana (7-5) allowed five runs - four earned - and eight hits in six innings. The two-time Cy Young Award winner struck out five and walked two.

Meanwhile, Lackey left after allowing a single by Endy Chavez and walking Reyes' replacement, Damion Easley. Scot Shields recorded the final four outs to notch his second save.

"I felt strong all the way through, but it was a time in the game where I got into trouble and just had to give the ball up and let the bullpen do their job," Lackey said.

New York took a 1-0 lead in the first. After Reyes and Luis Castillo hit consecutive singles, David Wright - who was serving as the designated hitter - grounded into a double play on which pinch runner Easley scored from third.

"We got off to a rough start in the beginning, but John (Lackey) settled down and pitched a great game and got us a good win," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.