From JOEL SHERMAN

John Maine did not earn a win Thursday night, but his effort was certainly a winning one. He had nothing early against the Giants. His fastball had little life and less accuracy. He permitted two runs in the first and walked the opposing pitcher, Jonathan Sanchez, to open the second. On the next batter, Alex Cora threw away a potential double-play ball. It was first and second, no out. Maine had already walked three and thrown a wild pitch. The Mets trailed 2-1. Not only that, but Carlos Delgado also was still out and J.J. Putz had joined him. Jose Reyes was on the bench with what the team said was a calf injury, but sure felt like punishment for stupid play. This was the first game of 10-game road trip through San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston. The Mets were tired having played extra innings Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon before a cross-country flight.

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