<
>

Ishii returns as Mets continue series with Reds

Cincinnati (14-24) at NY Mets (20-19), 7:10 pm EDT

FLUSHING, New York -- Kazuhisa Ishii is expected to
make his first start in nearly a month when the New York Mets
continue their against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.

Ishii (0-2, 4.82 ERA), who has been on the 15-day disabled list
since April 19 with a strained muscle in his left side, is
expected to be activated Tuesday and make his fourth start of
the season.

In his first start as a Met on April 7, Ishii allowed just two
hits in 6 2/3 innings but was charged with six runs - five
earned - in a 6-1 loss as the Reds swept the season-opening
three-game series.

The Mets began to atone for the sweep in Monday's opener,
scoring four times in the first two innings en route to a 9-2
victory. New York tagged former Met Paul Wilson for seven runs
and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Cliff Floyd belted his 11th homer of the year for and Mike
Piazza broke out of an 0-for-18 slump with a sixth-inning
double.

Ramon Ortiz (1-1, 6.75) will try for his second consecutive win
for the Reds, who have lost three of their last four games. In
2003, Ortiz made his only career start against the New York and
allowed three runs - one earned - and five hits in seven
innings.