Mets nearly blow all of nine-run lead

PHILADELPHIA -- Pedro Martinez and the New York Mets appeared to be cruising to a win that would move them above .500 for the first time in more than a month. Nothing comes easy for the Mets in Philadelphia.

Martinez pitched effectively into the sixth inning, then watched the Mets give back nearly all of a nine-run lead before holding on for a 10-9 victory over the Phillies on Monday night.

David Wright homered and drove in four runs as the Mets built a 10-1 lead going into the bottom of the sixth. But three relievers, including closer Billy Wagner, combined to nearly blow it.

“I was going, ‘Wow, what’s going on,’ ” said Mets Manager Jerry Manuel, who was ejected in the seventh inning on a disputed home run call.

The Mets had a 10-7 lead heading into the ninth, but Wagner, who blew a save in the Mets’ win Sunday, gave up a two-out run-scoring single to Pedro Feliz, scoring Shane Victorino. Eric Bruntlett, who had walked, also came around to score on a throwing error by center fielder Carlos Beltran. Jayson Werth hit a soft liner to right, ending the comeback and giving Wagner his 20th save in 26 opportunities.

“You can never let down with this team,” Wagner said. “They make you earn it.”