MLB

Jon Niese’s outing the definition of winning ugly

MIAMI — Jon Niese has been robbed enough times this year to appreciate the fact he could pick up a cheapie win Tuesday.

The Mets lefty labored for six innings, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits, but was the winning pitcher on a night his lineup went on the rampage in an 8-6 victory over the Marlins.

“I just had to battle,” Niese said. “It was just one of those games where it seemed like everybody was hitting it where nobody was at.”

Niese (8-10) was coming off consecutive starts in which he had allowed two and three runs — against the Dodgers and Braves, respectively — but was the losing pitcher both times.

Giancarlo Stanton homered and doubled against Niese, providing much of his angst.

“This guy, he is incredible,” Niese said. “I thought I made some pretty good pitches and he just put good swings on all of them. He’s just so strong, he was able to hit that out, you just have to tip your hat to a guy like that.”


David Wright finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. His double in the second inning snapped a string of 84 plate appearances without an extra-base hit.

“This last week I’ve felt better, more comfortable at the plate, probably more than anytime over the last month or so,” Wright said. “It’s nice to feel dangerous at the plate. That’s kind of what I’ve felt lately.”


Josh Edgin and Daisuke Matsuzaka each received a cortisone shot in the elbow area, according to manager Terry Collins, and will rejoin the team on Friday in Cincinnati.


The Mets have 14 straight stolen bases dating to Aug. 23. Overall, the Mets have been successful in 18 of their last 19 attempts. The Mets’ 88 stolen bases entering play were tied for ninth in the major leagues.