Jan 31 2006 11:39 AM
Beltran bests Delgado in home run contest
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- One Mets star named Carlos bested another Monday in a home-run duel in their native Puerto Rico.
Carlos Beltran defeated Carlos Delgado 8-6 in a one-on-one competition at San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium, a site in the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March.
It was a friendly competition for the hitters, who had 10 outs to see who hit the most homers before a crowd of about 7,000 students in a benefit for the scholarship fund of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School.
Beltran said the conditions were favorable for his win.
"The aluminum bat always helps a bit ... and the wind was blowing toward right field," he said.
On hand were several Mets officials, including general manager Omar Minaya and chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon.
Delgado, who batted second, got off to a promising start with five consecutive home runs without any outs. Then he only managed one more homer before his 10th out.
Beltran beat Delgado in the team portion, with his squad winning 18-7.
Jeff Wilpon catches the "first pitch" from San Juan mayor Jorge Santini
Carlos Delgado gets molested by some sort of freakish red-haired mascot thing
The Carloses display those multimillion-dollar swings
Posin'