NEW YORK, July 5 (UPI) -- Jose Valentin hit a two-run homer Wednesday night to help the New York Mets beat Pittsburgh, 5-0.
Paul Lo Duca and Endy Chavez hit RBI singles, and Jose Reyes had one run and one hit for the Mets (50-34), who have split their last four games.
Winning pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez gave up only four hits in seven shutout innings with two walks and seven strikeouts.
The Mets are the first National League team to win 50 games this season.
Sean Casey, Ronny Paulino and Jose Castillo each had two hits for the Pirates (29-57), who also have split their last four games after a 13-game losing streak.
Losing pitcher Kip Wells (0-4) yielded five runs and four hits in six innings. He walked three and struck out three.
Wells was making his third start since returning from surgery for a blood clot on his pitching arm.
