By the third inning, the Mets had taken a five-run lead.

Worse, he remained in the game only one and two-thirds innings after being spotted a five-run lead.

"I think today is my first day to feel comfortable, to have a five-run lead," Perez said.

Having seen a five-run lead disappear, the Indians appeared demoralized.

But they entered tonight in last place and then squandered a five-run lead.

They blew most of a five-run lead in the eighth.

The five-run lead was the largest the Mets have blown this year.

Kelly's guideline is to try for a five-run lead so a grand slam can't tie the game.

You can't walk someone with a five-run lead.

Another run followed, giving the Yankees a five-run lead.