Mets Morning News: Mets win sixth straight, open up 6.5 game lead

Meet the Mets

The Mets won their third straight game against the Phillies, and sixth straight overall, behind a strong start from Bartolo Colon. They ran into trouble in the eighth inning when Eric O'Flaherty gave up three runs, but Tyler Clippard was able shut the door. On the offensive side, Michael Cuddyer hit his tenth home run. The win, combined with a loss by the Nationals, extended the Mets division to lead to 6.5 games.

Choose your recap: Amazin' Avenue short and long, MLB.com, ESPN New York, New York Post, Daily News, Newsday, Star-Ledger

Eric Young Jr. is excited to be back with the Mets. He is expected to join the team as a September callup. Also expected to join the team when rosters expand are reliever Erik Goeddel, catcher Kevin Plawecki, and outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

Michael Cuddyer's eighth inning home run was the Mets 40th in the month of August, which set a new team record. Since July 25, they are averaging nearly two home runs per night.

David Lennon wondered if Terry Collins would lock up a contract extension if the Mets maintain their current pace and reach the playoffs. At the beginning of the season, it was decided that any contract discussions would take place after the season ended.

At Grantland, Katie Baker wrote about the return of David Wright, and the renewal of the Mets.

Around the NL East

The Nationals dropped a game to the Padres 6-5, and fell 6.5 games behind the Mets. Gio Gonzalez gave up five runs, four of which were earned, over just four-and-two-thirds innings.

The Braves lost to the Rockies 6-3. Shelby Miller pitched strongly through the first six innings, but was roughed up for four runs in the seventh, giving up a three run lead in the process.

The Marlins lost to the Pirates 7-3. Chris Narveson started for the Marlins and allowed seven runs over three-and-two-thirds innings.

You can a read a recap from the Phillies' perspective for last night's game at The Good Phight.

Around MLB

Justin Verlander took a no-hitter into the ninth inning, but had it broken up by Chris Iannetta. It would have been the third no-hitter of his career.

MLB is "actively studying" the issue of fan safety at games. One such measure that could be taken, is to expand the netting that currently covers just the area behind home plate, an action that the Phillies already plan to take.

Michael Pineda rejoined the Yankees rotation, but is expected to be on a pitch count. He has been on the disabled list for a month with a strained forearm.

Jared Diamond wondered if MLB should scrap its current playoff format. At this time, the National League's fourth and fifth best teams, the Mets and Dodgers, would play a best-of-five-series, while the second and third best teams, the Wild Card leading Pirates and Cubs, would be forced to play in the one game playoff.

Yesterday at AA

Andrew Gould detailed the Mets' easy schedule the rest of the way. He also pleaded for Eric O'Flaherty to never face a right-handed batter.

Benjamin Roth wondered if the Mets would get anything from Vic Black this season. The hard throwing righty has had a disappointing season with injuries and underwhelming performance at the Triple-A level.

Scot Cohen took a look at the Mets' highest scoring games against the Phillies in team history.

Rich Resch tried to rank Sean Gilmartin in terms of top Rule 5 Draft picks made by the Mets over the years. All in all, he compares rather favorably.

This Date in Mets History

In 1974, rookie Benny Ayala hit a home run in his first major league at-bat against the Astros.