Mets Edge Fish After Santana, Johnson Duel

Johan Santana responded from the shortest outing of his career with 11 stikeouts and just three hits, but it still wasn't enough to get his first win of the year. But the Mets did beat the Miami Marlins 2-1 on Tuesday night at Citi Field.

The Mets offense failed to provide any run support of Santana again, although for good reason: Josh Johnson was equally as good with nine K's of his own.

Each pitcher threw 6 2/3 innings of three hit, one-run ball, and you could argue that neither should have allowed a run.

The Marlins' (7-9) run came on Gabby Sanchez's double off the wall. While the relay throw beat Giancarlo Stanton, Mets' catcher  Josh Thole couldn't handle it. Then, New York tied it with a bases loaded walk, after Johnson was pulled.

The game winner came in the eighth, when Lucas Duda slapped a line drive single back through the box and off of pitcher Edward Mujica, scoring Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

Frank Francisco allowed one walk in the ninth to pick up his fourth save. It was his first appearance since being yanked during a save opportunity against the Giants over the weekend. And, it broke a three game streak of appearances having allowed at least one earned run.

The Mets (9-8) will send R.A. Dickey (2-1) to the hill on Wednesday night against Mark Buehrle (1-2).

*Jose Reyes returned to Citi Field for the first time since signing his six year deal in Miami. He was 0-4.