The New York Mets (64-63) defeated the St. Louis Cardinal (67-59) by the final score of 10-6 tonight to take a critical series victory over one of the Wild Card leaders. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…

http://m.mlb.com/gameday/mets-vs-cardinals/2016/08/25/448768?#game=448768,game_state=final,game_tab=box

Game Notes:

• Alejandro De Aza had quite a game going 2-5 with 5 RBI’s including a 3-run home run. He also made a home run robbing catch in the bottom of the first inning.
• Seth Lugo was fantastic picking up his first Major League win despite leaving early with a right calf cramp. He went 5 scoreless innings while allowing only 2 hits, and 3 walks with 5 strikeouts.
• James Loney was 3-5 with 3 runs scored.
• Rene Rivera was 2-4 with 2 RBIs.
• Wilmer Flores was 2-3 with an RBI and 3 runs scored.
• Asdrubal Cabrera was 2-3 with an RBI.

Low and behold the Mets are creeping back into the Wild Card race with tonight’s series victory. Despite the Mets having an injury riddled roster they have simply tried to keep their heads above water with replacements, and the return of Yoenis Cespedes has done wonders as the team is now 4-2 since his return. Yes there are significant question marks regarding the starting rotation but those are problems that we can worry about tomorrow, as tonight’s win just feels good. It is getting a little unbelievable though how many injuries keep piling up for the Mets with starter Seth Lugo going down tonight while he was pitching his best game as a Major Leaguer. It is becoming a rite of passage it seems that in order to play for the Mets you must suffer some sort of injury and pay your dues on the disabled list (sarcasm).

 The Mets are now 3.5 games behind the Cardinals with a favorable schedule down the stretch. The Mets have struggled against below .500 teams which is something they will certainly have to improve upon if they want any shot of October. The team will also hope to avoid any more serious injuries down the stretch as this team can not afford to be losing anymore starters. Things are looking up for the Mets however after tonight’s game, and what a difference 24 hours makes after last night’s debacle. The Mets will now host the Phillies for three games at Citi Field this weekend and they will have Neil Walker rejoin the team, and hopefully Jay Bruce will be back in the starting lineup as well. Let’s keep believing Mets fans, as hard as it’s been this season we still have a chance and tonight that sense of hope is all that matters!