The New York Mets finally dug in their heels to stop their five-game losing streak, beating the Nationals 8-4 last night. Buoyed by three hits from injured Moises Alou and two RBIs by newly shorn Paul Lo Duca, the Mets rose to the challenge issued during a players-only meeting: to play better, reports the New York Times.
The Mets still racked up three errors, but none of them were game-deciding. The win puts the Mets 2½ games up in the National League East. No team has ever blown a seven-game lead with 17 to play. The Mets held that comfortable lead a week ago, and now face a steep magic number of nine to avoid blowing it. (More MLB stories.)