Mets Start Second Half with Extra Inning Victory

A week ago, the Mets were in Philadelphia splitting a four game series with the Phillies. Last night, they started another four game series at Shea and got off to a great start. They won the game in 11 innings, 3-2 (box score). With the victory, they are a game out of first place, trailing the Phillies and the Braves.

Both teams scored runs in the middle of the game, but it was the end that counted. In the 9th inning, Mike Piazza walked against Roberto Hernandez who got an Richard Hidalgo to fly out. After Cliff Floyd singled and Shane Spencer Walked, Ty Wigginton came to bat. Wiggy, one of the hottest Mets batters, slapped a come-backer to Hernandez, who knocked the ball down before picking it up and hurling it towards home. The ball bounced before getting to Mike Lieberthal and Vance Wilson, running for Piazza, scored to win the game.

After the game, Mets Manager Art Howe said, "It's huge. We're a game out of first and we have a chance to be tied for first. And look at it the other way around: three games down is a long way back." While watching on TV, Gothamist couldn't help but think of a similar situation when the Mets played the Yankees.

The Mets are tied for second with the Marlins and the top of NL East could be very crowded after tonight. With the right combination of wins and losses, it's possible that four teams will be tied for first after tonight's games.