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Pedro Breaks 3,000 K's In Return

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The Associated Press

Published: September 4, 2007

CINCINNATI - Working with a fastball that was past its prime, Pedro Martinez made a vintage comeback.

Back on the mound for the first time in almost a year, the right-hander got his 3,000th career strikeout Monday and led the resurgent New York Mets to a 10-4 win against the Cincinnati Reds.

A victory and a little bit of history, too.

'Can't ask for anything better than that,' Manager Willie Randolph said. 'He's amazing. I shouldn't even be surprised, really. Pedro was superb.'

Martinez (1-0) had major shoulder surgery last Oct. 5. He returned after just four rehabilitation appearances in the minors, leaving some questions about his readiness. The Mets decided to put him on a 75-pitch limit that left him no margin for error to get through five innings and get a win.

Somehow, he managed.

Martinez threw 76 pitches while limiting the Reds to three runs and five hits in five innings. Four of his pitches came on an intentional walk. With two runners aboard in the fifth, Martinez got Adam Dunn - the last batter he'd get to face - to hit into a rally-killing ground out.

Then, he pumped his fist.

'Indescribable,' the three-time Cy Young winner said. 'So far, so good. It was good enough. I did what I was supposed to do. I got 75 pitches in. I gave my team an opportunity. I felt I settled down after the first inning and got everything in control again.'

His performance helped the NL East leaders get control of their division again, increasing their lead to five games over Philadelphia. The lead was down to two games last week, when the allure of adding a pitcher with playoff experience became too much to resist.

Martinez didn't disappoint.

'That's Pedro, and he's going to get better,' catcher Paul Lo Duca said.

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