FLUSHING, NY - Just one small dribbler from backup catcher Paul Hoover, that’s all it took to spoil John Maine’s bid for a no-hitter yesterday at Shea.

That’s why these no-nos are so hard to come by, just ask Dwight Gooden, who saw Keith Moreland do the same thing to him back in 1985 when he threw a one-hitter against the Cubs.

“It's an impossible play," Maine said, who became the first Met to take a no-hitter 7.2 innings since Tom Seaver had his perfect game bid in 1969 ended by Jimmy Qualls.

Yet the chopper up the line, which David Wright couldn’t field, was the only blemish on the day which any Met would describe as perfect.

“We're still in it," manager Willie Randolph said as his team now only needs a win to tie for the National League East. "I still believe in my guys."

It was hard to fathom this game after Friday night’s loss. Yet, an offensive explosion of 13 runs, combined with Maine’s effort and an on the field brawl gave the Amazins’ new life.

And after the Nationals disposed of the Phillies, 4-2, a few hours later, all the ill-will from the last week seemed erased.

“That's the way we have to look at it now," Paul Lo Duca said. "[It’s] just like we did when Johnny gave up that stupid roller. It isn't the way we wanted it, but it's the way it is.

“Hang with them.”

The crowd seemed to believe in the Mets as well. As Maine came out throwing strikes, the fired up fans backed the Amazins’ with a total support. It was if the pitcher led them to the out of the malaise the past six days put the crowd in and now a playoff atmosphere came out.

They chanted for Jose Reyes after Miguel Olivo charged him at third base. They were riveted on every Maine pitch and enthusiastically supported all of the 13 runs that came across the plate.

But more than that, there was life.

And now there will be life later today as Tom Glavine will be looking to extend the Mets season at least one more day. Although Dontrelle Willis will be opposing the future Hall of Famer, the team seems to be relaxed and ready as they look to play past game 162.

“It's like Johnny Maine flipped the switch for our lineup," Randolph said. "Pitching always sets the tone for a game. Now we just hope we come out and hit like that again tomorrow and Tommy Glavine gives us what Johnny gave us."

Near perfection not be needed, because in playoff games like these, all it may come down to is a dribbler or a bloop.

And Maine learned that yesterday.

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