Game recap: Mets at Yankees 6/15/07

A quality start from Roger Clemens was wasted by the lack of Yankees offense Friday night, as they lost by a score of 2-0 to the New York Mets. They were shut down by Mets starter Oliver Perez (pictured) and three relievers.

Clemens (1-1) got the loss, after pitching 6 1-3 innings, scattering seven hits and surrendering two runs. He struck out eight Mets and only walked one. However, the two runs he gave up would prove to be too much for the Yankees offense.

The Yankees had many chances to score runs. In the first inning, Derek Jeter was on second base with one out, but was unable to score. In the second inning, the bases were loaded with two outs, but again came up empty.

Perez (7-5) reached many three-ball counts but got the Yankees to chase pitches instead of being patient and taking walks. He only allowed three walks in 7 1-3 innings to go along with five hits and six strikeouts.

Alex Rodriguez and Miguel Cairo both his balls to the warning track that would've put the Yankees ahead.

The Mets showed early on that they would be playing small ball. Carlos Gomez bunted twice for singles. Jose Reyes stole three bases, but he also hit a home run off the facing of the upper deck in right field.

In total, the Mets stole five bases, with four coming against Clemens.

Billy Wagner worked an easy ninth inning for his 15th save of the year. This win ended the Mets' five-game losing streak.

Before the game, Johnny Damon was scratched with an abdominal strain. He was originally leading off as the designated hitter. Melky Cabrera moved into the leadoff spot and Josh Phelps was added to the lineup as the designed hitter in the eight-hole. Damon was available to pinch hit, but he never made it into the game.

The Yankees nine-game winning streak was snapped and they fall to only one game over .500. Boston beat San Francisco tonight, so the Yankees fall back to 8.5 games back in the AL East. Detroit also won, increasing their lead in the Wild Card over the Yankees to 4.5 games.

Tomorrow afternoon, Tyler Clippard will go up against Tom Glavine in hopes of getting the Yankees back on track.

AP Photo