7,432: Mets hold on in ninth to break losing streak

The New York Mets barely avoided another ninth-inning meltdown Tuesday night, holding on to beat the Houston Astros 6-5.

With a 6-2 lead heading into the ninth, the Mets handed the ball to Aaron Heilman, who let two runners reach base before giving up a three-run homer to Jody Gerut. Fortunately, Joe Smith and Scott Schoeneweis were able to each get an out to end the game.

Fernando Tatis lit up the offense with two homers for four RBIs, and rookies Dan Murphy and Nick Evans scored the Mets’ other two runs.

Starter Mike Pelfrey earned his 10th win of the season, going 6 2/3 innings while giving up two earned runs on nine hits. He struck out three and walked one. Pelfrey lost his no-hitter in the first inning when Brian Giles singled to center, advancing the NoNoHitters.com count to 7,432 Mets games without a no-hitter.