Martinez wins in return to the Mets

CINCINNATI -- Back on a major league mound for the first time in nearly a year, Pedro Martinez got his 3,000th strikeout Monday and led the resurgent New York Mets to a 10-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

“Can’t ask for anything better than that,” Manager Willie Randolph said. “He’s amazing. I shouldn’t even be surprised, really. Pedro was superb.”

Martinez had shoulder surgery Oct. 5. He returned after only four rehabilitation appearances in the minors, and the Mets put him on a 75-pitch limit that left him no margin for error to get through five innings and get a win.

The right-hander threw 76 pitches and limited the Reds to three runs and five hits in five innings.

“Indescribable,” the three-time Cy Young Award winner said. “So far, so good. . . . I felt I settled down after the first inning and got everything in control again.”

The first-place Mets increased their lead over Philadelphia to five games.