Mets Morning News: Mets regain Wild Card lead with the help of a Cespedes slam

Meet the Mets

Yoenis Cespedes set the tone early for the Mets, when he drove in their first run in the first inning. By the time the third inning was over, Cespedes had collected another four RBIs on one swing of the bat, and the Mets were well on their way to handily defeating the Braves. Seth Lugo continued his streak of stellar pitching and showed real poise on the mound after a run was in and he faced a bases loaded situation in the fourth. He worked his way out of it and picked up his fourth win.

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Before the game, the Mets and Braves paid tribute to those who lost their lives fifteen years ago in the horrific events of September 11, 2001.

Seth Lugo’s strong performances have stabilized a shaky rotation and his confidence continues to grow with each start, but are his impressive outings going to continue?

Yoenis Cespedes’s grand slam was important to the Mets’ victory, but after the game Cespedes would not comment on it.

Turner Field has plagued the Mets and their fans over the years, but there is one Met who is sad to see it go.

Kelly Johnson came up with another big hit for the Mets on Friday and has been productive since his return to the team. To sure up holes in his stance, he reached out to former Met Daniel Murphy, who has been rather productive himself since his incredible postseason last year.

With the Mets holding a Wild Card spot, the debate starts: Who should pitch the one game playoff?

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts agonized about pulling starter Rich Hill during his bid for a perfect game, and Terry Collins sympathized with the situation Roberts was in.

Around the Wild Card

The Giants completed the sweep of the Diamondbacks on Sunday when they won 5-3. Up next they play the Padres at home.

The Cardinals lost to the Brewers by a final score of 2-1. They now face the Cubs for a three-game series.

With three weeks left, the Mets remain a game-and-a-half behind the Giants for the first Wild Card spot but lead the Cardinals by a half-game for the second Wild Card.

Around the NL East

Even though Wilmer Flores was left shaken after the collision at the plate on Saturday, it was A.J. Pierzynski who ended up on on the DL for the Braves.

The Marlins took the series from the Dodgers with a 3-0 win. They are five games behind the Mets for the second Wild Card.

Adam Morgan was solid for the Phillies, but they still fell to the Nationals 3-2.

Daniel Murphy extended his hitting streak to nine games and led the Nationals to the win over the Phillies.

Around the Majors

The A’s released Billy Butler after a disappointing and tumultuous season.

The Royals could be without their All-Star outfielder for the rest of the season, as Lorenzo Cain re-aggravated a wrist injury.

The Red Sox extended their lead in the AL East by defeating the Blue Jays.

The surging Yankees lost to the Rays to remain outside of playoff contention.

All of Major League Baseball paused to remember and honor all the lives that were lost fifteen years ago.

Yesterday at AA

Steve Sypa put a stamp on the batting title in the Pacific Coast League.

This Date in Mets History

The Jets played their first game at Shea Stadium against the Broncos in 1964. They started off well in their new home with a 30-6 victory.