The Mets came out of the gates fast before tapering off in the end, but held on to beat the Cardinals 10-8.
Carlos Delgado’s RBI double and Chris Woodward’s bases clearing double paved the way for a Mets four-run first inning.
The Cardinals briefly cut the lead in half with two runs in the third, but saw the deficit increase almost immediately.
Mark Mulder, making his first start since June 20th, gave up a three-run homer to Jose Reyes in the bottom half of the third to make the score 7-2.
New York wasn’t done yet. David Wright followed a Carlos Beltran walk and another Delgado double with a double of his own that scored two runs. Stretching the lead to 10-2, Lastings Milledge singled to center, scoring Wright.
St. Louis tried to inch their way back, but it was to no avail. Jose Vizcaino homered in his first game as Redbird. Vizcaino joined the team just hours before the game. He was signed to the team after shortstop David Eckstein was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique. Scott Rolen and Preston Wilson also homered.
Mulder’s return wasn’t a good one. The lefty surrendered nine runs on nine hits and walked four in three innings.
Steve Trachsel got the win. Billy Wagner slammed the door in the ninth for his 32nd save of the year.