Mets Sweep Astros and Run Win Streak to Four

Jose Reyes proved an old theory to the Houston Astros on Thursday night: Where the ball is hit is often more important than how hard it is hit.

Reyes beat out a dribbler in the seventh inning, driving in the tying run, then stole second and raced home on an error as the New York Mets rallied for a 4-3 victory over the Astros and a sweep of the three-game series.

The winning rally was right out of Manager Willie Randolph’s playbook.

“Put the ball in play,” Randolph said. “You make things happen.”

The Astros were leading, 3-1, in the seventh behind starter Brandon Backe, who tripled and singled, scored one run and drove in another. He also had the Mets looking futile at the plate, giving up only four hits.

But Backe walked David Wright leading off the seventh and Victor Diaz followed with a double. Suddenly, the Mets had a chance.

Ex-Met John Franco relieved and got pinch hitter Marlon Anderson on a grounder that scored Wright. Now it was Reyes’ turn and he squibbed a ball up the third base line and beat Franco’s throw as the tying run scored.

Reyes then stole second, putting the winning run in scoring position. He raced home when third baseman Mike Lamb was unable to handle Miguel Cairo’s grounder.

It was the fourth come-from-behind victory in a row for the Mets.

Houston Manager Phil Garner said there was no one to blame for the loss.

“You can’t defend a dribbler,” he said.

Mike Matthews (1-0) pitched a scoreless seventh to get the victory.