He Meets His Match in Mets

NEW YORK â€”  Jose Reyes drove in four runs at Shea Stadium and the New York Mets roughed up Randy Johnson for 12 hits Saturday in a 7-1 victory over the Yankees to even the Subway Series at a game apiece.

Kris Benson (2-1) threw six-plus shutout innings and Miguel Cairo homered and David Wright had two run-scoring doubles.

Bad baserunning cost the Yankees, who lost for only the second time in 13 games.

Each team lost players to injury. Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter left in the sixth after he was hit on the left elbow by Benson’s pitch. X-rays were negative and Jeter said he planned to play today.

Met center fielder Carlos Beltran came out after the fifth because of a strained right quadriceps. And second baseman Kaz Matsui departed in the sixth with a strained upper back. He and Beltran were day to day.

Johnson (4-3) gave up four runs in 6 2/3 innings, striking out five after failing to strike out a batter during his last start in Oakland. The 12 hits given up were one short of his career worst set May 10, 1999, with Arizona against Montreal.

“It’s tough to live up to yourself all the time. I know he’s not pleased where he’s at right now,� Yankee Manager Joe Torre said.

Met Manager Willie Randolph loaded his lineup with all right-handed batters against Johnson, who gave up hits to nine of his first 16 batters -- including Benson.

“Kris pitched better than I did,� Johnson said. “I don’t put credence in the rivalry stuff. I go out and do the best I can regardless of what uniform I’m wearing.�