Mets beat Astros in Bay's first game back

At least for one night, everything came together for the Mets at Citi Field.

The lineup finally was intact, David Wright finally found his swing and fans finally had a chance to witness something special. Whether it was Jason Bay's presence in the lineup, Terry Collins' first-inning ejection or the good-luck spring training garb that spurred the Mets to victory is uncertain. But these days, they're just happy to get a win. Especially at home.

Bay (left rib-cage strain) went 1-for-4 with two runs scored in his first game since July 25 and Mike Nickeas, Wright and Ike Davis homered in a 9-1 victory over the Astros Thursday night. It was only the second home win in 10 games for the Mets (6-13).

"It's a lot more fun winning and putting up runs and playing the game right," said starter Chris Capuano (2-1), who allowed a run and six hits in seven innings. "We hope this is the start of a long run like this."

A buzz permeated the ballpark as Bay's return drew near. For months, fans had awaited the leftfielder's arrival, and with the team in the midst of a frightening tailspin, his homecoming could not have come at a better time. Bay, who was activated from the disabled list before the game, said he anticipated feeling "Opening Day" jitters. "If you don't have them at this level, you're not breathing," he said.

Bay struck out in his first at-bat, hit a ground-rule double down the rightfield line in the fourth and scored his second run on shaky outfield defense by the Astros (7-12). After Wright walked in the eighth, Bay's fly ball to right was misplayed by Hunter Pence, who tried to make a basket catch, and the ball rolled all the way to the wall. Wright and Bay scored on Pence's four-base error to give the Mets an 8-1 lead.

"I never would have expected that," said Bay, who scored standing up. He said he didn't feel any discomfort in his left side.

In an attempt to change their luck, the Mets wore black baseball caps, black socks and black undershirts -- their spring training attire -- with the home white jerseys. "The unis might have worked," manager Terry Collins joked. But just in case the dress code and Bay's return weren't enough motivation, Collins provided his own emotional spark eight pitches into the game.

With one out and a 2-and-2 count, Angel Sanchez foul-tipped a 79-mph changeup into Nickeas' glove. Replays indicated that Nickeas caught the ball cleanly before the thumb of his catcher's mitt touched the dirt. But plate umpire Doug Eddings said it wasn't a clean catch.

Collins sprinted out of the dugout and argued with Eddings for several minutes before he was ejected for the 22nd time in his seven-year managerial career.

The Mets entered the game with the worst record in baseball, having lost 12 of their last 14, but their second home victory of the season was never in doubt. Wright, who went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, snapped a career-worst 0-for-20 hitless streak with a solo shot to left in the fourth. Nickeas provided the first Mets run in the second, belting his first career home run over the leftfield wall.

"I was about to touch second base and I was like, 'Man, I can't even believe this is happening,' " said the catcher, who traded a bat in exchange for the home run ball, which he plans to give to his father. "It was really a cool moment for me."