Mets Morning News: Escape from L.A.

Once again, the Mets fell to the Dodgers, this time by a score of 6-3. And once again, it was powered by L.A. home runs. Joc Pederson, Kike Hernandez, and Justin Turner went yard to give the Dodgers 15 home runs in their four-game sweep of the Mets, the most they’ve ever hit in a series and the most the Mets have allowed. Steven Matz was solid, surrendering three hits and three runs in six innings before Paul Sewald and Jerry Blevins unraveled in the seventh.

Choose your recap: AA short and long, Times, Post, Daily News, Newsday, BP Mets, MLB.com.

As the Mets’ playoff hopes slip away, NJ.com ran down potential trade candidates on the squad’s roster.

Asdrubal Cabrera is nearing a return from injury, and manager Terry Collins is considering playing him at second base and Jose Reyes at shortstop.

Rafael Montero will make his third start of the season on Sunday. In his last two outings, both in long relief, he’s surrendered just one run and allowed five baserunners in 6.2 innings, amassing eight strikeouts.

Terry Collins said this is the most frustrating season he’s had with the Mets.

Around the NL East

The Braves roughed up Matt Cain and scored eight runs in the fifth inning of a victory over the Giants. Atlanta has seven wins in their last 10 games.

The Marlins were no match for the Cubs in the teams’ series opener, getting blown out 11-1.

Aaron Nola was impressive for the first time in a while as the Phillies bested the Cardinals, 5-1.

Michael Taylor is finally playing up to his potential with the Nationals, hitting .261/.295/.467 to go with good center field defense.

Around the Majors

The Cubs sent slugger Kyle Schwarber down to Triple-A. The beefy catcher-turned-outfielder is hitting .171 through 225 at-bats.

A young fan at the College World Series managed to barehand two foul balls in the same game.

FanGraphs’ Craig Edwards examined how the Rockies built a winner after coming out victorious in just 75 games last season.

Yesterday at AA

The Mets called up reliever Chasen Bradford to take Tyler Pill’s roster spot.

This Date in Mets History

In 1964, Ron Hunt became the first Met to start in an All-Star Game. The second baseman was hitting .320/.379/.433 going into the exhibition, and went 1-for-3 in the NL’s walk-off victory.