Mets Morning News: Gsellman excels, man

Meet the Mets

A terrific start from rookie Robert Gsellmen helped get the Mets back on track with a 3-1 win over the Nationals. Curtis Granderson provided the big hit with a two-run single, and the bullpen took care of business. Add in a St. Louis loss, and the Mets are now just one game behind the Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot, and could potentially be playing to tie up that race Sunday night.

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No one would’ve thought Gsellman would be on the mound to start a game at the start of this season, and it’s up for debate among pundits whether or not it’s the Mets organization’s fault.

By inserting Granderson and Michael Conforto into the lineup, Terry Collins pushed the right buttons. And while he may not be every fan’s favorite, at least one writer believes that he’s a perfect fit.

In the opposite dugout, Nationals manager Dusty Baker is lending support to one of his adversaries.

David Wright talks retirement (relax, it isn’t imminent).

Around the NL East

The Nationals had a four-game win streak snapped, and Tanner Roark wasn’t his usual self.

The Mets widened their lead in the standings over the Marlins.

Don’t look now, but the Braves have won five in a row. But seriously, still don’t look, it remains awful.

Atlanta’s win came against the Phillies, for whom it was a tough extra-inning loss.

Around the Majors

Red Sox knuckleballer Steven Wright will miss his next scheduled start.

Albert Pujols has slugged his way to ninth place on the career home runs list.

Madison Bumgarner bested Jake Arrieta in a top-flight pitchers duel.

The two men leading the second half in home runs probably aren’t who you’d expect, serving as a reminder that baseball can be delightfully weird.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Any flickering hopes that Zack Wheeler will pitch this season have officially been put out.

There’s still some hope for Lucas Duda, however. He has started hitting soft toss, and batting practice could be coming soon.

Forget where the ball ends up, Laurie Hernandez’s first pitch was a thing of beauty.

This Date in Mets History

September 4 is a big day for the two best catchers to ever play for the Mets. It’s Mike Piazza’s birthday, and the anniversary of a historic day at the plate for Gary Carter. In 1985, he hit two home runs in a game against the Padres. That gave him five home runs in a two-game span, which was good for the share of the all-time record.