PITTSBURGH — The Mets arrived here for the start of a four-game series with the Pirates tonight riding the high of a 5-1 homestand after Sunday’s Sunday’s 3-2 win over Florida kept the Amazin’s a half-game back of Philadelphia in the NL East standings. The win was even more impressive considering starter John Maine threw six scoreless innings with a severe stomach virus. Colleague Mike Vaccaro says K-Rod has been the Mets’ one constant.

Rookie reliever Bobby Parnell also produced in the clutch.

Embattled rookie outfielder Fernando Martinezcame through when the Mets needed it.

A nice touch: The Mets honored a prominent swine-flu victim by having his son throw out the first pitch.

In the notes, Jerry Manuelisn’t expecting good news when the results of Angel Pagan‘s MRI exam come in.