Mets' Collins: Death Of Osama Bin Laden A 'Great Win' For U.S.
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- The Mets celebrated a victory on a night when fans in the ballpark were celebrating historic news.
Ronny Paulino had a career-high five hits in his first start for the Mets, including a go-ahead double in the 14th inning, and New York beat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 Sunday night after news of Osama bin Laden's death had fans at Citizens Bank Park chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!"
"It was a big night for the United States," manager Terry Collins said. "I wish we had been able to finish two hours sooner so we could join in the celebration. It was a good win for us, but a great win for the US"
He added: "That's certainly something bigger to celebrate. ... This was a good win but obviously a huge win for America."
LISTEN: Mets Manager Terry Collins On Death Of Osama Bin Laden
"I heard the chants and they were great," Mets right-hander R.A. Dickey said. "It was a pretty neat thing. It was emotional. Hopefully this brings some closure but it's still not over."
The "U-S-A!" chants started in the top of the ninth inning of the game and picked up in intensity throughout the inning. People could be spotted all over the ballpark checking their phones as news was breaking that the United States had killed the mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks.
"Mission accomplished," Mets pitcher Pedro Beato said. "At first I was hearing the chants and I didn't know what was going on. To know that we finally got him is a great feeling. It's about time."
"I was out in the bullpen and I was confused with the chant going up," he added. "Then someone told me they had killed Bin Laden. I said finally now maybe the war will be over."
The Mets visited wounded soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center last week, a trip that was front-and-center in David Wright's mind after the game.
"The first thing I thought about was going to Walter Reed," he said. "The emotions those guys must be going through. It's just an incredible moment."
Were you chanting "USA!" at home? Let us know your reaction in the comments below...
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