John Maine hit a two-run homer and struck out seven to lead the Mets to an 8–4 win over the woeful Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.

Maine (11–5) won for the first time since the All-Star break, allowing an RBI double to Xavier Nady, a solo homer to Jason Bay in the fourth, and three other hits in seven innings.

Lastings Milledge was 3-for-3, hit a two-run shot in the eighth and drove in three runs for the Mets, who have won eight of 12 since the break and began a seven-game homestand against the Pirates and Nationals, two teams among the worst in baseball.

David Wright, Ruben Gotay, and Shawn Green also drove in runs. Aaron Heilman pitched a perfect eighth inning.

Bay also homered in the ninth, a two-run shot off Guillermo Mota that gave him the team lead with 15 and his first multihomer game of the year.

The Mets jumped on Pittsburgh starter Ian Snell early, with back-to-back doubles by Jose Reyes and Gotay to start the game.

Snell (7–8) gave up six runs and 10 hits, including Maine’s first career homer, and lasted only four innings. He lost his third straight start since the All-Star break and has won only two of his past eight decisions.

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Moises Alou’s expected return from the disabled list was pushed back to the end of the week, after an exam yesterday showed tendinitis in the outfielder’s right shoulder.

“We’re going to back him up a bit, go day to day on him,” Mets manager Willie Randolph said. “Hopefully Mo will be back in the next day or two.”

The Mets also welcomed back infielder Damion Easley yesterday, and announced that they agreed to terms with their first pick in June’s draft, right-hander Eddie Kunz.

The 41-year-old Alou hurt himself Sunday taking a swing in a rehab game. He said he didn’t feel right throwing and came out of the game. An MRI exam revealed the tendinitis.

“Actually, I’m pleased with the results. It could have been worse,” Alou said. “I’m feeling a lot better today.”

Alou has been out since May 13 because of a strained left thigh. He was hitting .318 with two homers and 13 RBIs when he went to the DL for the 15th time in his career. The Mets have found success in his absence, although even before Alou’s latest setback, they were hoping to see what the career .301 hitter still had to offer them — or potential trade partners — before the July 31 deadline for trading without waivers.

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Mets general manager Omar Minaya expects to see Pedro Martinez pitching this season.

“I’m counting on him, yeah,” Minaya said yesterday. “I’m counting on him to help us win games this year.”

Martinez threw 50 pitches Monday in a simulated game against Mets minor leaguers. Minaya said the next step for Martinez would likely be another simulated game, and not a rehab start.