Mets Continue Their September Slide

Mike Hampton’s dugout temper tantrum was the most visible sign of frustration around the New York Mets. Yet he’s not the only one on edge as the team goes through yet another September swoon.

Scott Rolen’s two-run homer in the eighth inning set Hampton off as the Philadelphia Phillies ended an eight-game skid and sent the Mets deeper into their funk with a 2-0 victory Friday night.

“It’s frustrating,” New York’s Todd Zeile said. “You can tell by our team demeanor. Mike pitched a great game and one unfortunate pitch beat him. If you get no support, all it takes is one pitch to beat you.”

New York has lost six of seven this month, dredging up memories of late-season folds the last two seasons, and has fallen 3 1/2 games behind Atlanta in the National League East. The Mets lead Arizona by 4 1/2 games for the wild card.

Even a return home and a matchup with the worst team in the majors couldn’t help the Mets. Bruce Chen and four relievers shut down New York’s struggling offense, and Philadelphia broke through with two out in the eighth.

Hampton (13-9) walked Doug Glanville before running the count full to Rolen, who hit a shot into the left-field bleachers for his 23rd homer. That gave Philadelphia only its second lead in the last seven games.

A disgusted Hampton left after walking Pat Burrell. He threw his glove against the dugout wall and punched a water cooler.

“That’s just me,” said Hampton, who gave up four hits in 7 2/3 innings. “I don’t try to please anyone. I show emotion sometimes. This was one of those cases.”