Aguilera Returns and Mets Blank Dodgers, 1-0

Rick Aguilera, making his first appearance since May 20, scattered four hits in 7 innings as the New York Mets blanked the Dodgers, 1-0, Monday night.

Aguilera (5-2) who sprained a ligament in his right elbow and was placed on the disabled list on May 21, struck out four and walked two, one intentionally. He retired 15 consecutive batters from the third inning until the eighth, when Glenn Hoffman singled with one out.

Randy Myers got the last out in the eighth and Roger McDowell pitched the ninth for his 19th save as the Dodgers were shut out for the 14th time this season.

Keith Hernandez drove in the only run of the game in the fourth inning with a single to right that stretched his hitting streak to 14 games, one shy of his career high established in 1982 with St. Louis.

Len Dykstra led off the fourth with a double off rookie Shawn Hillegas (2-1). Wally Backman sacrificed Dykstra to third and Hernandez followed with his eighth game-winning hit of the season.

Hillegas, facing the Mets for the first time, allowed three hits, struck out six and walked four in seven innings.

The Dodgers, losing for the sixth time in the last seven games, had only one runner reach third base.

John Shelby led off the second inning with an infield single and one out later moved to third on Mike Scioscia’s double. Tracy Woodson was walked intentionally after Phil Garner flied out to shallow right, and Hillegas ended the inning with a ground ball to first.