MIAMI, July 5 (UPI) -- Mike Bacsik pitched five effective innings in his first major league start Friday night and the New York Mets turned a season-high four double plays to defeat the Florida Marlins, 5-3, for just their fourth win in 11 games.
Recalled from Class AAA Norfolk earlier in the day, Bacsik (1-0) survived a shaky first inning and recorded his first career win. He gave up two runs and six hits with three strikeouts and three walks, exiting after throwing 100 pitches.
Five relievers protected the lead for the Mets, with Armando Benitez striking out one in a perfect ninth inning for his 20th save.
While doing a television interview after the game, Bacsik got a shaving cream pie in the face from injured reliever John Franco.
Defensive replacement Tony Tarasco hit a two-run homer for New York, which also scored twice on wild pitches by effectively erratic Marlins starter A.J. Burnett (8-6).
