NEW YORK — With injured ace Johan Santana scheduled to have shoulder surgery today that could keep him out for the start of next season, Dillon Gee is pitching his way into consideration for a spot in the New York Mets' 2011 rotation.

Nick Evans is using his infrequent opportunities to appeal for a place on the big league roster, too.

Pinch-hitting with one out in the 10th inning, Evans singled home the winning run off Chan Ho Park to give New York a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday night.

Whether it's taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning of his first major league start or fighting through a lack of command against Pittsburgh for six innings of five-hit ball, Gee has gotten the job done. His manager is taking notice — despite saying before the game that September auditions are not good indicators of success.

Evans, with three hits in 11 at-bats this season, drove in Ruben Tejada, a .188 hitter who had a one-out double. Jose Tabata fielded Evans' hit off Park (1-2) in shallow left, but his throw was off line and Tejada scored easily.

Hisanori Takahashi (9-6) pitched two innings to run his scoreless streak to 12 outings and 13Z\c innings. He got a boost from his catcher, Josh Thole.

Thole threw out a runner trying to steal in the ninth, then nailed Andrew McCutchen at third trying to advance on a bunt in the 10th. McCutchen led off the inning with a double.

Those who made it to the Mets game saw two young pitchers, Gee and Pittsburgh's James McDonald, make promising starts.

Starting in place of Santana last Tuesday, Gee took a no-hitter into the sixth against Washington in his major league debut. He wasn't quite that effective against the worst-hitting team in the National League. Using a deceptive changeup, the right-hander gave up five hits — two weak doubles just inside third-base line — and walked four, one intentionally. He put runners on base in five innings and loaded them in the fourth.

Gee was pulled after 106 pitches. Elmer Dessens and Pedro Feliciano each pitched a hitless inning. The shutout was the Mets' 19th of the season, most in the majors.

In two starts, Gee has given up one run and seven hits in 13 innings.

McDonald was coming off seven innings of five-hit ball against Atlanta, beating Braves ace Tim Hudson to win for the first time in four starts. McDonald went a career-high eight innings this time, scattering five hits and getting help from two caught stealings.

"James did a great job. Really battled," Pirates manager John Russell said. "He's got the stuff."

Notes: 2B Neil Walker snapped his 18-game hitting streak.