NEW YORK, June 19 (UPI) -- Brian Schneider hit a three-run homer in the first Friday and five pitchers limited Tampa Bay to six hits, bringing the New York Mets a 5-3 win over the Rays.
The homer was Schneider's first of the season and came in the first meeting between these clubs in eight years.
Fernando Nieve (2-0) had his second straight strong outing, giving up a run on three hits in six innings. Nieve, who is replacing John Maine in the rotation, surrendered two hits in a win over the New York Yankees last Saturday.
Francisco Rodriguez, after blowing a save opportunity Thursday against Baltimore, threw a 1-2-3 ninth. It was his 18th save.
After Schneider's homer, the Mets got runs on an RBI double in the third by David Wright and a single by Ryan Church in the eighth that brought home Carlos Beltran.
Andy Sonnanstine (5-7) allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings to take the loss.
New York opened a 10-game homestand.
