Mets 4, Marlins 3
Jason Bay hit a two-run homer and R.A. Dickey went eight strong innings to pick up his 19th victory as New York won its second straight home game.
Dickey (19-6) allowed two runs on six hits while walking a pair and striking out four to strengthen his bid for the Cy Young Award. Dickey trails Washington’s Gio Gonzalez (20-8) for the National League wins lead but is setting the pace in ERA (2.66) and strikeouts (209).
Bay got the Mets on the board in the second inning with a two-run blast off Mark Buehrle. Lucas Duda reached on a walk before Bay sent his eighth homer to deep center.
Scott Hairston extended his career high with his 19th homer in the fourth and Daniel Murhoy’s fielder’s choice groundout forced in a run in the fifth to give New York a four-run cushion.
Dickey was aiming for the complete game but walked a batter and allowed a double to lead off the ninth. Jon Rauch came on and surrendered a three-run homer to John Buck but managed to record the final three outs to pick up his fourth save.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Bay has two home runs in September and is trying to end a disappointing season strong. The former All-Star is batting .155. … Rauch was on in place of regular closer Frank Francisco, who remains out with an injury. … The Marlins were again without OFs Justin Ruggiano (shoulder) and Giancarlo Stanton (left intercostal muscle).