Center fielder Juan Lagares robbed Andrew McCutchen of a go-ahead hit in the top of the ninth inning, then pinch-hitter Mike Baxter's single in the bottom half sent the New York Mets over the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 Thursday night.

Mike Stobe, Getty Images
Mike Stobe, Getty Images
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Baxter delivered his second winning pinch-hit in three days. His 10th-inning single Tuesday beat the Chicago White Sox.

This time, Baxter batted for Lagares and won it.

Lagares was equally responsible for the victory. Before the game, Mets manager Terry Collins said the rookie might win a game with his glove -- he was right, maybe sooner than he expected.

Called up from Triple-A on April 23 because of his bat and mitt, the center fielder preserved the ninth-inning tie with his defensive gem.

 

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