21.   Again, he set down the first two batters, but he walked Lemke, and Jones got an infield single.

22.   Brown got the next two batters to fly out and pop up.

23.   Brian Meadows, a rookie control pitcher, appeared to be continuing his hex over the Mets when the first two batters went down meekly.

24.   But after getting the next two batters, he allowed four straight batters to reach.

25.   But both times, Brown got the next two batters.

26.   But after retiring the first two batters, he loaded the bases by giving up two singles and hitting Craig Biggio with a pitch.

27.   But after striking out the first two batters, Park allowed a double to John Olerud and another to Piazza.

28.   But any hopes of an Astros comeback quickly faded as Shaw retired the next three batters.

29.   But he lost command of his pitches and walked the first two batters.

30.   But Neagle began to struggle in the fourth walking three of the first four batters.