Major League Baseball

Garland, Tracy lead D-backs past Mets

Published Aug. 3, 2009 2:28 a.m. ET

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Jon Garland's day could have ended much differently if not for a timely grab by his first baseman.

Garland pitched his first complete game in more than a year and Chad Tracy made a leaping catch to stop a New York Mets rally, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 5-2 victory Sunday.

"Absolutely huge. That could be a complete game-changer," Garland said.

New York scored twice in the fifth inning to pull within one and had a runner on third with one out when pinch-hitter Gary Sheffield, just off the disabled list, hit a line drive that appeared headed for the right-field corner.


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Tracy leaped and snared the ball, preserving Arizona's lead and taking some starch out of the Mets. Angel Pagan flied out to end the inning, and Garland cruised home from there.

"Tracy caught that ball, it almost took the breath out of the whole stadium. Kind of took them out of the game. And it almost seemed like it was a letdown on their bench. You know, like that was our chance and we lost it, when they still had a guy on," Garland said. "The defense stepped up big for me today. I tip my cap."

Tracy also hit a two-run double that put Arizona up 3-0.

Miguel Montero had three hits and Gerardo Parra drove in two runs to back Garland, who is 2-8 in his last 14 outings even though he's compiled seven straight quality starts.

Making his 300th major league appearance, Garland (6-10) gave up seven hits in his 10th career complete game and first since July 6, 2008, with the Los Angeles Angels against Toronto.

The right-hander struck out two and walked none. He threw 76 of 106 pitches for strikes.

"I thought he did a great job of keeping everybody off balance, not letting anyone get comfortable," New York's Jeff Francoeur said. "He's never controlled the ball like he did today."

With streaking slugger Mark Reynolds getting a scheduled rest, Augie Ojeda started at third base for the Diamondbacks and reached base safely all five times up from the No. 8 spot in the lineup.

Francoeur homered for the Mets (50-54), who had won six of eight. David Wright grounded into two double plays and finished 0 for 4, ending an 11-game hitting streak.

New York starter Mike Pelfrey (8-7) lasted only five innings. He sported a patchy beard - several Mets have vowed not to shave until the team gets back to .500.

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