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Maine aims to follow Martinez's example

Jun 4, 2008 - 12:00 PM NY Mets (29-28) at San Francisco (25-34) 3:45 pm EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- Pedro Martinez didn't disappoint in his much-awaited return from the disabled list on Tuesday. One day later, the New York Mets hope for another inspiring outing, this time from John Maine.

The Mets attempt to claim their third straight series on Wednesday when they complete a three-game set with the San Francisco Giants.

After New York's uninspired 10-2 loss against San Francisco on Monday, Martinez made his first start since April 1 - and second start overall this season - overcoming his nagging hamstring injury to toss six solid innings in a 9-6 victory.

The righthander allowed just three runs and seven hits to notch is first win of the season.

The Mets can only hope for similar production from Maine (5-4, 3.66 ERA), who has posted a 6.19 ERA over his last three starts, all resulting in losses for New York. The righthander surrendered four runs and five hits over six frames in Friday's 9-6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He'll be opposed by Matt Cain (2-3, 4.38), who took the loss in his last outing despite putting together a solid start. The righthander allowed three runs and struck out six over seven innings in Friday's 7-3, 13-inning loss to San Diego.