Delgado Bails Out Wagner in the 12th

After another blown save, Billy Wagner was rescued by the other standout the New York Mets acquired last fall.

Carlos Delgado homered leading off the 12th inning Wednesday night, giving New York a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates after Wagner cost Pedro Martinez his sixth win.

“We’re all behind Billy,” Delgado said. “He’s going to save a lot more games than he’s going to blow. We want him on the mound every night in the ninth inning when we’ve got a lead. It’s as simple as that.”

Handed a 3-1 lead in the ninth, Wagner walked two and then gave up consecutive run-scoring singles to Jose Hernandez and Ronny Paulino with two out. Wagner has three blown saves in 10 chances.

His latest failure prevented Martinez from becoming the first six-game winner in the major leagues. Martinez struck out nine in six sharp innings and was one out from winning his first six starts for the second time in his career.

Florida 6, Washington 5 -- Rookie Hanley Ramirez delivered a go-ahead, pinch-hit single against National closer Chad Cordero in the ninth at Washington to help the Marlins end a five-game losing streak.

The game’s 11 pitchers totaled 13 walks -- including one with the bases loaded by Florida’s Brian Moehler -- three wild pitches and three hit batsmen. A combined 23 runners were left on base.

Philadelphia 5, Atlanta 4 -- Aaron Rowand’s two-run homer in the eighth inning at Philadelphia lifted the Phillies to their third straight comeback victory.

Brett Myers pitched seven solid innings, and Rheal Cormier (2-0) got one out in the eighth inning for the victory. Tom Gordon pitched a perfect ninth for his ninth save in as many chances.

Arizona 5, Chicago 1 -- Chad Tracy hit a three-run home run at Phoenix to make Greg Maddux 1-9 lifetime against the Diamondbacks with a 5.21 earned-run average in 14 starts. Maddux is 5-1 this season.

Arizona starter Miguel Batista (3-1) gave up only one run in seven innings.

Houston 5, St. Louis 4 -- Roy Oswalt pitched eight strong innings, and Lance Berkman drove in three runs to lead the Astros at Houston.

Oswalt (5-1) gave up only four hits, but three were solo home runs. Brad Lidge pitched the ninth inning for his 10th save in 12 opportunities.

Colorado 3, Cincinnati 0 -- Jeff Francis (1-2) gave up four hits over seven innings at Denver for his first win in six starts this season to help the Rockies end a two-game losing streak.

Matt Holliday was three for four with a two-run double for Colorado.