Too much rain forces Mets game to be postponed until Sunday



PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The opener of the three-game series between the New York Mets and the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday was postponed because of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ivan.
The game was called off more than four hours before the scheduled first pitch at 7:05 p.m. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader Sunday at 1:35 p.m.
The Mets' Tom Glavine (9-13) and Pirates rookie John Van Benschoten (1-3), Friday's scheduled pitchers, will start tonight.
Kris Benson (12-11), traded from the Pirates to the Mets six weeks ago, will make his first start in Pittsburgh in an opposing uniform Sunday, with Aaron Heilman (1-1) going in the other game. Ryan Vogelsong (5-12) and David Williams (1-1) will pitch for Pittsburgh.
The rainout was the Pirates' 10th weather-related postponement this season, the most they've had since they also had 10 in 1973. They have had six postponements or cancellations at home, including a scheduled Sept. 8 game against Milwaukee that will not be made up.
Friday had been the rescheduled date for a fireworks night promotion postponed Sept. 10 because of Hurricane Frances.
The show is now scheduled for Wednesday, after a game against the Cubs.
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