Randolph Keeps Job, Mets Keep Losing

Willie Randolph kept his job — for now.

After their embattled manager had a much-anticipated meeting with ownership yesterday, the Mets got another ineffective outing from Mike Pelfrey and fizzled on offense following a strong start in a 7-3 loss to the Florida Marlins.

Luis Gonzalez hit a three-run double for the young and hungry Marlins (30-20), who moved 10 games over .500 for the first time since September 14, 2005. They lead the NL East despite a major league-low payroll of $22 million on opening day.

Jose Reyes homered twice for the $138 million Mets but committed a two-out error at shortstop in the first that led to two unearned runs.

Pelfrey (2-6) lasted only four innings and dropped his sixth straight start as fourth-place New York (23-26) fell three games below .500 for the first time since Sept. 18, 2005, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

The Mets have lost seven of eight and 10 of 14 overall. With few fans remaining at Shea Stadium in the late innings, a chant of "Fire Willie!" could clearly be heard.

Earlier in the day, Randolph sat down with owner Fred Wilpon and his son, Jeff, the club's chief operating officer, as well as general manager Omar Minaya to discuss two things in particular: the team's sluggish play, and Randolph's comments last week about his portrayal on Mets broadcasts in which he raised the issue of race.

Randolph subsequently apologized for those statements.

"Willie's job was never in danger going into this meeting," Minaya said. "Willie has my support. He has the support of our ownership. ... There is no limbo period. Willie is the manager."

So, was he told he'll definitely manage the Mets for the rest of the season?

"No, they didn't say that," Randolph answered.

Randolph then met with his players after batting practice, but it didn't help on the field.

Coming off a doubleheader sweep of San Francisco on Sunday, the Marlins made their first trip to Shea Stadium since knocking New York out of playoff contention on the final day of the last season.

The Mets stranded seven runners through the first five innings before Doug Waechter, Renyel Pinto, and Joe Nelson combined for four perfect innings of relief.

Delgado, who entered batting .219, was booed after fouling out weakly with two on and none out in the fifth.