Mets Morning News: Seth Lugo continues to impress, Wild Card spots both within Mets’ reach

Meet the Mets

Contributions from Seth Lugo, Curtis Granderson, and Jay Bruce secured a Mets series win over the Nationals. Granderson gave the Mets the lead twice, first with a sacrifice fly and then with a two-run home run, and Jay Bruce padded the lead with a two-run shot of his own. Seth Lugo took care of everything else by pitching seven strong innings and giving up just one run.

Choose your recap: Amazin Avenue short and long, Daily News, Faith and Fear in Flushing, MLB.com, Newsday, NJ.com, Post

Seth Lugo has been a pleasant surprise since his call up to the majors, but there was one moment when he realized he could be successful in the big leagues.

Since the Mets will be away on September 11, they continued the tradition of honoring first responders by wearing hats before Sunday’s game representing each department.

Before Sunday’s game, Terry Collins revealed that Jacob deGrom could miss more than one start. That means the current rotation will need to hold the fort until some semblance of normalcy returns.

That pieced-together rotation, along with some struggling offensive players finally stepping up, is keeping a playoff spot within reach.

If this team wants to make the playoffs, they could take lessons from the 1973 team that went on an incredible run at the end of the season. Ya gotta believe!

The Mets might have missed out on Jose Fernandez in the 2011 draft, but Sandy Alderson did select two other pitchers that have been a saving grace so far in their young careers.

Washington and old friend Daniel Murphy are leaving town and even though he has thrived since leaving the Mets they had their reasons for letting him go.

Jay Bruce is someone the Mets wanted but the feeling was not necessarily mutual. Bruce might not have gotten what he wanted, but he is here now and preparing for an emotional return to Cincinnati.

The scheduling does not allow the team to decompress—or sleep—for long, as they take on the Reds this afternoon.

Wilmer Flores has a Friend-ly new walk-up song.

Around the NL East

The Braves won their sixth straight game when they defeated the Phillies 2-0 on Sunday.

The Marlins lost on a walk-off hit by Lonnie Chisenhall and the Indians completed the sweep of the Fish. That loss completed a 1-6 road trip for the Marlins.

The Phillies lost their sixth straight but maybe things are not so bad.

Stephen Strasburg is expected to make his return to the Nationals some time this week. Federal Baseball lamented the lack of offense in the loss to the Mets.

Around the Majors

Jason Heyward had two big hits for the Cubs, including a walk-off against the Giants.

The Cardinals helped themselves hold onto the final Wild Card spot when they defeated the Reds 5-2. They travel to Pittsburgh next for a series that could seriously impact the Wild Card standings.

The Pirates were crushed by the Brewers by a final score of 10-0. They have now lost six straight games.

The Dodgers are expected to get a major boost in their rotation this week when Clayton Kershaw returns from the DL.

Two legendary broadcasters, Vin Scully and Dick Enberg, sat down and chatted briefly about their careers and the game of baseball.

Yesterday at AA

Steve Sypa updated all the action in the minors with the Mets Daily Prospect Report.

This Date in Mets History

Ron Swoboda signed with the Mets on this date in 1965. Swoboda’s catch in the 1969 World Series will forever be an iconic Mets moment.