Piazza Puts End to Yankee Win Streak

Just when it seemed the New York Mets might never get another hit with a runner in scoring position, Mike Piazza touched off a string of three in a row.

Piazza singled off closer Mariano Rivera in the 10th inning at Yankee Stadium to break a scoreless tie Saturday and the Mets defeated the Yankees, 3-0, ending the World Series champions’ nine-game winning streak.

The Mets had been struggling with scoring opportunities, one for eight on Saturday and five for 73 in their last eight games, before Piazza got another chance against the Yankee bullpen ace.

Desi Relaford singled with two out--the Mets’ first hit since the fifth inning--and stole second. Then Edgardo Alfonzo walked, bringing up Piazza.

“Fonzi’s at-bat was terrific,” Met Manager Bobby Valentine said.

That was because it put the game in Piazza’s hands. In the eighth, Yankee Manager Joe Torre chose to walk the Met slugger with a runner at second.

In the 10th, with Alfonzo on first, he pitched to Piazza.

“Runners on second and third, I walk him,” Torre said.

On his second pitch to Piazza, Rivera looked uncomfortable and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre came to the mound. The reliever has an inflamed ankle that will force him to miss the All-Star game.

The Yankees stayed with Rivera (2-4), and Piazza hit the next pitch for a run-scoring single.

“He just hit my bat with it,” Piazza said.

The hit seemed to trigger the Mets.

Timo Perez, a defensive replacement, and Todd Zeile followed with run-scoring singles.