Reyes Leads Mets to Third Series Victory in a Row

SAN FRANCISCO — Things sure are clicking for the Mets lately. Consistent starting pitching, clutch hits, big innings.

And to think it's been just more than a week since manager Willie Randolph was summoned to a sitdown with ownership amid speculation he might be fired. Suddenly, the Mets have won three straight series.

Jose Reyes hit a leadoff double, then homered and singled to help John Maine and the Mets win the rubber game with the San Francisco Giants 5-3 on yesterday.

"For me, it's only been a matter of time," Randolph said. "I know we can play better than we have. We've shown more consistency and that's the team we're going to be over a long season. I hope we're on a nice little groove."

When asked about the way his team has responded since that meeting with ownership, Randolph said, "It's probably just coincidental."

Reyes scored twice and Carlos Beltran added a two-run double as New York won for the seventh time in nine games. A night after Pedro Martinez won in his return from the disabled list, Maine (6-4) got a 3-0 lead in the first inning and made it hold up. He ended a three-start winless stretch in which he'd gone 0-2.

"I thought it was a bit of a skid," he said. "I was letting way too many runs come across. This is a good start."

Reyes, who had his 18-game hitting streak stopped Tuesday night, connected off Matt Cain (2-4) for a two-run homer in the fourth. Reyes' eighth home run of the year came after Maine walked.

"To walk the pitcher, especially with two outs, will always come back to haunt you," Cain said. "Then I throw a ball down the middle of the plate and Reyes crushes it. I've had my battles with him. He's a tough out. When you make a mistake to him he usually takes advantage."

Maine pitched six innings for the third straight start, allowing one earned run and seven hits. Billy Wagner worked the ninth for his 13th save in 15 chances, giving up a pinch-hit single to Rich Aurilia.

"I think good staffs feed off each other," Randolph said. "Pedro helps his teammates with his knowledge and as a mentor. ... It's a positive. It's always good to have Pedro here. We've got to keep him here."

Randy Winn doubled and singled, Omar Vizquel and Jose Castillo hit RBI singles and pinch-hitter Bengie Molina had a sacrifice fly for the Giants.