By MIKE PUMA

June 16, 2008

Willie Randolph's Father's Day gift came from Pedro Martinez - six strong innings to help the manager's cause. Martinez's gift in return? The "love" he received from the fans in the nightcap of yesterday's doubleheader.

It was the bottom of the sixth inning in a tie game against the Rangers with Martinez scheduled to hit and runners on second and third. The chant "We want Pedro" filled Shea Stadium.

"I just started laughing, because the situation calls for a pinch-hitter or trying to win the game," Martinez said. "But they were more into exchanging with me more than anything else."

With the fans' disapproval, Randolph sent Robinson Cancel to the plate. The backup catcher delivered a two-run single that provided the margin of victory in the Mets' 4-2 win.

"Now Willie looks even smarter," Martinez said. "Because he did what he thought is right and it came out right."

In his first home appearance this year, Martinez (2-0) held the Rangers to two runs on six hits over six innings, his best performance in four starts this season. The right-hander allowed an RBI single to Michael Young in the first and a run-scoring single to Josh Hamilton in the third.

Martinez took exception with Marlon Byrd's penchant for stepping out of the box, and that led to some jawing between the players after Byrd flied out in the sixth.

"[Byrd] is an old man coming from surgery, he should be anxious to get in the box and try to get me, not trying to cheat or look back and see where [Ramon] Castro is setting up," Martinez said. As for the significance of his performance, with Randolph's job security in question, Martinez seemed pleased he could do his part to help the manager.

"I'm fully aware of everything that is going on," Martinez said. "I'm also a veteran and I know what to do."

mpuma@nypost.com