31.   Stanton, rounding into a suitable replacement for Rivera, the setup man of yore, pitched a scoreless eighth.

32.   The much-maligned Josias Manzanillo, who pitched a scoreless eighth to keep the Mets close, earned his first victory against two losses.

33.   The senior right-hander shook off a shaky one-run seventh to toss a scoreless eighth.

34.   Pedro Borbon and Mike Maddux combined for a scoreless eighth.

35.   Al Leiter protected the lead with a scoreless seventh and John Franco held it with a scoreless eighth.

36.   He combined with Mike Jackson and Alvin Morman on a scoreless eighth.

37.   He left after Kevin Millar doubled to start the seventh, but Jose Santiago retired the next three batters and pitched a scoreless eighth.

38.   He pitched a scoreless eighth, but was charged with three runs in the ninth.

39.   John Franco pitched a scoreless eighth and Armando Benitez pitched the ninth for his second save.

40.   John Franco pitched a scoreless eighth, and Armando Benitez finished for his second save.