ARLINGTON, Texas, June 12 (UPI) -- The New York Mets enjoyed an easy win over the Texas Rangers, clobbering them 11-0.
Vance Wilson homered and drove in a career-high five runs and Al Leiter pitched six innings as the Mets ended a long day by burying the Rangers.
The day began with owner Fred Wilpon firing general manager Steve Phillips and replacing him on an interim basis with assistant GM Jim Duquette. Wilpon promised a new philosophy for his last-place team, one that would stress the development of younger players while not completely forgetting the veterans.
The plan seemed to be an instant success as rookie third baseman Ty Wigginton had four hits and three RBI and the 37-year-old Leiter bounced back from a dismal outing on Sunday in which he lasted just two innings and allowed eight runs against Seattle.
Wilson is 30 but is getting his first extended playing time in the majors due to a groin injury to Mike Piazza. He hit a two-run homer in the second inning off Colby Lewis (4-5),
Lewis (4-5) was tagged for six runs and seven hits in 2 1/3 innings and has just one win in his last 10 starts.
