Mets Morning News: Rivera to the rescue

Meet the Mets

After the team blew a lead in the bottom of the ninth, T.J. Rivera served up his first career home run in the 10th to help the Mets to a 4-3 extra-inning win over the Nationals. A pair of infield hits and a throwing error by Jose Reyes allowed the Nats to erase a 3-1 deficit in the ninth for Jeurys Familia’s fourth blown save of the season. Instead of a save, the closer earned his third win of the year. Noah Syndergaard was immaculate, striking out 10 in seven innings and surrendering just four hits, one walk, and one run.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short, Times, Post, Daily News, Newsday, NJ.com, ESPN, MLB.com.

Terry Collins told reporters the team is considering having injured starters Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz piggyback a start as they work their ways back to full strength.

At Newsday, David Lennon warned against the Mets rushing those two starters back.

Wally Backman spoke about his dismissal as the Mets’ Triple-A manager. The former Mets second baseman claimed he resigned and was not fired, which conflicts with most reports. He cited a lack of respect.

Bob Klapisch wrote that Thor’s dominating performance should give Mets fans hope.

The Nationals haven’t taken kindly to Mets fans’, um, aggressive support of their team during games at Nationals Park.

Kelly Johnson is reworking his swing at age 32, inspired by Daniel Murphy’s stroke and mid-career breakout season.

At BP Mets, Andrew Mearns wrote that he’s seen this version of Yoenis Cespedes before, and, as all of us do, wonders if he’ll be back in 2017.

Around the NL East

The Marlins topped the Braves 7-5 thanks in part to the continued hot hitting of Christian Yelich. Matt Kemp and Freddie Freeman homered for Atlanta. Check out recaps from Fish Stripes and Talking Chop.

The Phillies lost 5-3 to the Pirates, but speedy prospect Roman Quinn has Philadelphia fans excited.

Around the Majors

The Cardinals bested the Cubs 4-2 behind homers from Brandon Moss and Aledmys Diaz. They remain a half game behind the Mets for the second Wild Card slot.

The Giants entered the ninth inning of their tilt against the Padres 4-1; they lost 6-4 as the Mets pulled to within a half game of the Wild Card leaders.

The White Sox broke a record for dogs in attendance at a sporting event. Yes they did!

It seems the Brewers will trade Ryan Braun to the Dodgers this offseason.

Yesterday at AA

Max Gelman examined three candidates to replace Rafael Montero in the rotation: Logan Verrett, Sean Gilmartin, and Gabriel Ynoa.

This Date in Mets History

In 1963, future World Series-winning outfielder Cleon Jones made his Mets debut as a defensive replacement. It’s also Chad Bradford’s birthday.