Mets Fall to Marlins

MIAMI - The New York Mets twice blew a three-run lead, raising speculation they might be about to blow the NL East.

Florida took advantage of Billy Wagner's absence to rally in the ninth inning, then Dan Uggla hit an RBI double in the 10th that lifted the last-place Marlins over New York 8-7 last night.

New York's lead was cut to 1½ games by second-place Philadelphia, which rallied past Washington 7-6. The Mets led by seven games on September 12, but have lost six of their past seven.

Mr. Wagner was not available because of back spasms. Minus their closer, the Mets gave up three runs in the ninth.

Starter Tom Glavine failed to hold a 3-0 lead. Right fielder Lastings Milledge was ejected after he flied out. Reliever Aaron Heilman was hit by a ball thrown from the stands.

Taylor Tankersley (6-1) pitched a scoreless 10th. Florida had lost four in a row.

Jorge Sosa (9-8) took the loss.