With Howe on the Hook, Mets Start to Hit
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While manager Art Howe’s future with the Mets is uncertain, Kris Benson is making quite a case for remaining in their rotation next year.
Benson pitched a four-hitter for his second career shutout and first complete game in more than four years, leading the Mets to a 7-0 win over the Atlanta Braves last night.
David Wright, Eric Valent, and Cliff Floyd homered to send the Mets to their fourth victory in 24 games. But they have won two of three against the NL East leading Braves since it was reported that Howe will be fired after the season.
Benson (12-11) can become a free agent after the season and his agent is in negotiations with the Mets on a multiyear deal. The lanky right-hander is has thrown 15 consecutive scoreless innings after skipping a start because of a tired shoulder. He won his second outing in a row and improved to 4-3 with the Mets.
Benson retired his first 11 batters and didn’t allow a hit until Johnny Estrada’s leadoff single in the fifth. By then, Wright, Valent, and Floyd had given the Mets the lead against Russ Ortiz (14-8).
In the fifth, Floyd and Mike Piazza walked with two outs, and Wright’s third hit made it 4-0. A walk to Wilson Delgado and hits by Valent, Jeff Keppinger, Floyd, and Piazza added three more runs in the sixth.
