El Duque's Masterpiece Lift Mets 4-2

NEW YORK - Once Orlando Hernandez got past an early hiccup, he was practically perfect. Hernandez gave up two quick hits and little else over seven impressive innings, and the New York Mets beat the San Francisco Giants 4-2 Thursday night for their fifth win in six games.

"Sometimes you've just got to get your rhythm," Mets manager Willie Randolph said. "El Duque is like that sometimes."

Jose Reyes energized the Mets with a leadoff walk, his major league-leading 29th steal and an RBI single.

Mets star Carlos Beltran bruised his right knee in a first-inning collision with Giants first baseman Rich Aurilia, and was pulled. He will get an MRI exam Friday.

…