Maine bounces back with win as Mets rebound

BY STEVE ZIPAY | steve.zipay@newsday.com July had been a cruel month for John Maine. Zero wins. An 0-2 record with a 6.63 ERA in his previous four starts. And in his last outing, he gave up five runs on five hits and five walks in 4 2/3 innings in a loss. "I don't know what it is," Maine had said. "I work hard between starts. I go out there, and the little things here and the little things there are hurting me." Last night, the little things fell into place for Maine, who is scuffling through a season that bears little resemblance to his 15-10, 3.91 ERA campaign in 2007. With last night's effort - seven innings, three runs, six hits, five strikeouts and two walks - Maine improved his home record to 5-1 this season. Also, he upped his mark to 5-0 in nine career starts against Philadelphia as the Mets climbed into a first-place... [read full story]