Mets beats Bucs; Mike Pelfrey credits defense

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Following a big night on the mound, New York Mets starter Mike Pelfrey gave all the credit to his defense.

Pelfrey pitched seven shutout innings to lead the New York Mets to their fourth straight victory, a 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday night.

But the right-hander received some help.

Center fielder Carlos Beltran threw out Adam LaRoche at home plate in the seventh inning with the Mets leading 2-0. David Wright turned a nifty double play in the second with two runners on by stepping on third base and firing the ball to first baseman Carlos Delgado.

“Beltran’s throw was huge,” Pelfrey said. “You couldn’t ask for a better throw. It was right on the money. David also turned the big double play. When you know you’re guys are going to make plays behind you, it helps.”

Jose Reyes and Argenis Reyes had two hits each for the first-place Mets.

Pelfrey (11-8), who had a 5.83 ERA in five starts over the past month, was stellar in his first career start against Pittsburgh. The 24-year-old allowed seven hits and didn’t walk a batter.

“He did a good job,” New York manager Jerry Manuel said. “He got the big outs when he needed them. It’s a sign that he’s evolving into a quality pitcher. He doesn’t panic when he gets in trouble. He’s maturing into the type of pitcher that can get the big outs.”

Pittsburgh hit into two double plays against Pelfrey and wasted leadoff hits in the sixth and seventh inning.

“He was tough on us,” Pittsburgh manager John Russell said.

Pittsburgh made things interesting against New York’s makeshift bullpen. Jack Wilson led off the eighth with a home run against reliever Duaner Sanchez. The Pirates put two more runners on in the inning against Pedro Feliciano but Adam LaRoche grounded out.

Aaron Heilman walked a batter in the ninth, but got Wilson to pop out to end the game for his third save.

The Mets put their first four runners on base and scored twice in the first inning against Jason Davis (1-2). David Wright had an RBI single, and Argenis Reyes scored on a wild pitch.

Davis settled down after the first, and at one point retired 13 of 14 hitters. He went seven innings and allowed two runs and six hits.