In their first meeting since Roger Clemens joined the Astros, the Mets and Mike Piazza stole the show with an 13 inning victory, winning 3-2 (box score). Clemens allowed no runs, just two hits, struck out 10 and lowered his ERA to 1.72. He left the game after seven innings and a two run lead, but former Met Octavio Dotel could not close the game, giving up a game tying home run to Mike Piazza. The home run spoiled Clemens's bid to become the first pitcher to win his first 8 starts of the season since Pedro Martinez did in 1997. The no decision also ended his 10 game win streak.
The go ahead run came off a home run by forgotten catcher/first baseman Jason Phillips in the 13th inning. Batting .172 entering the game, he was the last person that anyone expected to hit a game winning home run, but in the 13th inning, you'll take anything you can get. The Mets went 4-3 on their road trip, which included a split four game series against the Diamondbacks and a series win against the Central Division leading Astros.
As for the match-up between Clemens and Piazza - Clemens won, getting Piazza to ground out, strike out looking on a nasty slider, gave up a walk, and threw some inside pitches. Check out Newsday's Clemens/Piazza image gallery.
