Delgado gives Mets breathing space at the top

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Carlos Delgado hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning to lead the New York Mets to a 4-2 road win over the Milwaukee Brewers and a two-game lead in the National League East on Monday.

The Mets' 18th win in 25 games combined with the Philadelphia Phillies' 7-4 loss at Washington gave New York breathing room atop the division as the season enters its final month.

"It says a lot about the character and the will we have with this ballclub," Delgado told reporters. "We got it done."

The homer was the 462nd of Delgado's career, tying him with Jose Canseco for 31st on the all-time list. The veteran slugger has hit 20 homers and driven in 60 runs since June 27, the most by any NL player during that period.

"He's been outstanding," New York manager Jerry Manuel said. "He just seems to come up at the right time so often these days."

Delgado's blast to right field off reliever Eric Gagne (4-3) put the Mets in front 3-2 and Ryan Church provided insurance with a run-scoring double.

While Milwaukee's bullpen struggled in relief of starter Ben Sheets, who left after five innings with a groin injury, the beleaguered Mets bullpen tossed three shutout innings.

Nelson Figueroa (3-3) pitched a scoreless seventh and picked up the win in relief of starter Johan Santana. Three other relievers provided two more hitless innings, including Luis Ayala who pitched the ninth for his fourth save in five chances.

Ryan Braun had three hits and drove in a run for the Brewers, who still hold a five-game lead in the wildcard standings over the Phillies.

(Writing by Roger Lajoie in Toronto; Editing by Ed Osmond)