Francoeur’s 2-run single in New York Mets debut helps Santana beat Cincinnati Reds 4-0

Francoeur comes up with big hit in Mets debut

NEW YORK — Jeff Francoeur had a two-run single in his Mets debut and Johan Santana pitched seven sharp innings, leading New York to a 4-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night.

Omir Santos had three hits for New York, which scored all its runs in the first two innings. Leadoff hitter Angel Pagan scored twice and swiped two bases in his second game back after being sidelined with a strained groin.

Santana (10-7) allowed five hits, struck out five and walked one, taking advantage of some rare run support. New York had scored seven runs in the left-hander’s previous four starts.

While the Mets were all smiles, the Reds had a rough night. Johnny Cueto (8-6) turned in another shaky start, and right fielder Jay Bruce broke his right wrist trying to make a sliding catch.

Cincinnati was shut out for the third time this season and has lost three of four overall.

Francoeur got a warm greeting when he came to the plate with one out and the bases loaded in the first inning. The Mets acquired the free-swinging slugger and cash from the Atlanta Braves on Friday for Ryan Church in a swap of outfielders.

Francoeur responded with a well-placed blooper over the head of first baseman Joey Votto, driving in Angel Pagan and Luis Castillo. After Daniel Murphy walked, Santos singled to center to give the Mets a 3-0 lead.

Cueto gave up four runs and nine hits over five innings, dropping to 2-3 with a 7.31 ERA in his last six starts. It was the right-hander’s first game since he was tagged for a career-high nine runs while recording just two outs in Monday’s 22-1 loss at Philadelphia.

Bruce went down when he rushed in trying to grab David Wright’s blooper in the first inning. He got his glove on the ball, but it came out as his wrist folded back awkwardly.

Bruce grabbed at his arm, and manager Dusty Baker and a trainer came out of the dugout after Wright’s hit loaded the bases with no outs. The Citi Field crowd groaned as the replay was shown on TVs around the ballpark.

Bruce will fly back to Cincinnati on Sunday to be examined. Chris Dickerson replaced him in right.

The Reds put two runners on in the first and seventh but couldn’t come up with the big hit. Ramon Hernandez flied out to deep center field to end the first. Santana got Jerry Hairston Jr. to fly out to left and retired pinch-hitter Micah Owings on a comebacker for the final out of the seventh.

Pedro Feliciano worked the eighth, and closer Francisco Rodriguez finished the six-hitter.

Notes: Francoeur finished with two hits. … The Mets optioned OF Nick Evans to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for Francoeur. … The Mets signed INF Angel Berroa to a minor league contract and assigned him to Buffalo. Berroa, the 2003 AL Rookie of the Year, batted .136 in 21 games with the New York Yankees before he was designated for assignment on June 24. … Reds SS Alex Gonzalez (right elbow surgery) was scheduled to hit off a tee and throw Saturday in Cincinnati. RHP Edinson Volquez (right elbow) was slated to long toss on flat ground.