Flushing, NY (Sports Network) – Melvin Mora crushed a go-ahead grand slam off Manny Acosta in the eighth inning, sparking the Rockies to a 6-2 victory over the Mets in the second meeting of a three-game series at Citi Field.
Colorado had little success against New York starter Jon Niese and trailed 2-1 before turning it around when the Mets went to the bullpen in the eighth.
Hisanori Takahashi (7-6) got two quick outs before yielding a single to Todd Helton and walking Carlos Gonzalez. Acosta relieved the lefty and his first pitch was a wild, allowing both runners to move up 90 feet.
With first base open, Troy Tulowitzki was given a free pass in front of Mora, who fell behind in the count 0-2 before taking a 2-2 hanging breaking ball over the left-field wall for a sudden 5-2 lead.
Colorado didn’t stop there, as Brad Hawpe walked as a pinch-hitter, moved to second on Chris Iannetta’s base hit and scored via Clint Barmes’ single.
Rafael Betancourt set down New York in order in the bottom half, and Huston Street threw a 1-2-3 ninth to close out the comeback win. Colorado pitchers set down the final 15 hitters they faced.
Matt Belisle (5-4) struck out the side in the seventh and was credited with the win behind Jeff Francis, who was charged with two runs on three hits and a walk in a six-inning start.
Niese also wound up with a no-decision despite allowing only one run on five hits while striking out seven and walking none over seven frames.
Angel Pagan’s two-run homer in the first inning was the only offense the Mets mustered in the loss, the club’s fourth in six games.
Niese surrendered just three baserunners through six innings, but the Rockies were able to push a run across in the seventh. Consecutive singles from Tulowitzki and Mora started the inning, a sacrifice moved both runners up, and Iannetta’s sacrifice fly snapped New York’s 24-inning scoreless streak against the club.
The Rockies have alternated wins and losses over their past nine games…Mora’s grand slam was the fourth of his career and the ninth the Mets have allowed this year…Helton, Tulowitzki and Mora each had two hits, as the Rockies outhit New York, 10-3…In the series rubber match on Thursday, Jason Hammel is scheduled to start opposite Mets ace Johan Santana.