Pedro Returns, Mets Keep Rolling

Lastings Milledge danced in the dugout during pre-game warmups; the New York Mets looked so excited they more closely resembled Little Leaguers than professional baseball players; even the Cincinnati Reds fans were applauding and cheering. Pedro Martinez had returned to the mound for the first time in more than 11 months. “It’s indescribable,” the three-time Cy Young Award winner said. “I’m really excited, I’m really happy and I’m very thankful.”

The Mets were pretty happy as well. Pitching for the first time since having career-threatening rotator-cuff surgery last October, Martinez (pictured) threw five solid innings, allowed just two earned runs and earned the victory in [New York’s 10-4] win yesterday afternoon—their fourth straight. Martinez looked cautious at the outset and allowed two quick first-inning scores, but settled down to retire nine consecutive batters at one point, finishing with four strikeouts—including his 3,000th career strikeout—and tossing 76 pitches. “Can’t ask for anything better than that,” Randolph said, who set a 75-pitch limit for Martinez to not overtax his shoulder. “He’s amazing. I shouldn’t even be surprised, really. Pedro was superb.”

New York [extended their NL East-lead] to five games with the victory. On offense, Moises Alou went 3-for-3 with a home run and two doubles and David Wright went 3-for-5 and also went deep. After [sweeping the Braves](http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270902115) this weekend and with the resurgence of Pedro, the Mets now seem poised to clinch the NL East division title.