Santana shuts down Pirates to keep Mets on track

NEW YORK: Johan Santana pitched a three-hit shutout to lead the New York Mets to a sixth straight victory with a 4-0 road triumph over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

Santana (11-7) struck out seven and did not walk a batter in a tidy 113-pitch effort for his eighth career complete game and second this season, giving the National League East-leading Mets 10 wins in their last 13 contests.

The shutout was Santana's first since June 19, 2007, against his current team when he played for the Minnesota Twins, and fifth of his career.