Vazquez struck out 12 batters over seven innings to lead the Montreal Expos to a 1-0 victory over the Mets. Vazquez (13-11) allowed just three hits and did not issue walk.
"I threw a lot of strikes and I had all my pitches working tonight," said Vazquez, who struck out at least 10 batters for the ninth time this season.
Expos catcher Brian Schneider congratulates pitcher Chad Cordero after Thursday's win over the Mets. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
Scott Stewart and Chad Cordero each pitched perfect innings, with Cordero earning his first career save.
"It was awesome," an excited Cordero said. "I was kind of surprised when they told me I was going in for the ninth."
Third baseman Todd Zeile provided the offence, hitting a solo home run in the third inning. It was his fourth homer since joining the Expos on Aug. 20.
The victory helped the Expos keep their slim mathematical hopes alive in the National League wild-card race. Montreal trails the Florida Marlins by seven games with eight contests remaining.
Strong winds gusted to nearly 50 km/h for much of the game, but balls stayed in the stadium most of the night.
The loss continued the Mets' brutal play of late. New York has lost five in a row and 13 of the last 14.
"It's the same thing every night," manager Art Howe said. "We're struggling to get anything going offensively. The guys are trying their best, we just can't put the hits together."
Starter Steve Trachsel (15-10) was tagged with the loss, despite a solid outing. He allowed one run on seven hits in eight innings. The veteran hurler struck out seven Expos and walked two.
The two teams continue the four-game weekend series on Friday.
with files from Canadian Press
