Mets Struggle in Montreal

It hasn’t been a pleasant stay for the New York Mets north of the border this weekend.

Once again the Mets fell to the Montreal Expos, 5-3, on Saturday. The Expos opened the series with a 5-1 victory Friday.

Saturday’s loss, however, was more critical for the Mets, who fell a game behind the Chicago Cubs in the wild-card race.

“I think we’re going to lose some games,” Met Manager Bobby Valentine said. “I’m hoping that at least we’ll have more wins than needed at the end of the season.”

Robert Perez’s pinch-hit single against reliever Dennis Cook with one out in the seventh scored Bob Henley to give the Expos the lead for good at 4-3.

Cincinnati 3, Arizona 0--Bret Boone drove in every run and Steve Parris pitched 7 2/3 innings as the Reds defeated the Diamondbacks at Cincinnati.

Parris (5-4) gave up three hits, struck out six and walked one in getting his first victory in three September starts.

Philadelphia 13, Pittsburgh 4--Alex Arias went five for five with three doubles, and Bobby Abreu drove in three runs as the Phillies pounded the Pirates at Philadelphia.

Mark Portugal (9-4) gave up nine hits in his third complete game. He struck out five and walked two.

Atlanta 4, Florida 2--Rookie left-hander Bruce Chen got his first major-league victory as the Braves moved closer to clinching their seventh consecutive division title with a victory over the Marlins at Atlanta.

Ryan Klesko drove in three runs, including his 18th homer in the first, to back Chen.