The Mets ended a three-game losing streak on Sunday afternoon. More accurately, Johan Santana ended the Mets' three-game losing streak.
Santana turned in his second-straight gem on his way to tossing seven shutout innings, beating the Braves in what was as close to a must-win as you can have in July.
The win sent the Mets to the All-Star break within striking distance of the division-leading Braves. The Mets now trail Atlanta by only five games, a distance they can surely make up — especially if Santana keeps dealing.
Santana's start on Sunday followed an even more impressive start his last time out. On July 6, Santana went the distance, picking up his first shutout of the season.
The left-hander has had an inconsistent season, but his final two starts before the break are a promising sign for the second half.
Simply put, Santana is one of the key pieces to the Mets staying in the NL East race. He brings a modest 7-5 record to the break and Sunday's start abled him to lower his ERA to 2.98. With the emergence of Mike Pelfrey as an ace in the Mets' rotation, they'll be able to make a serious push in the season's second half.
Pelfrey — who many thought deserved to be an All-Star — has been spectacular so far this season for the Mets, putting up a 10-4 ERA to go along with a 3.54 ERA.
In addition to Santana and Pelfrey continuing to pitch well, the Mets will need offensive contributions from some players that have, quite frankly, underperformed.
Outfielder Jason Bay, who the Mets signed in the offseason, has struggled at times. Bay is only hitting .265 with six home runs and 44 RBI through the midway point. He's not the only who's struggled though. Shortstop Jose Reyes has struggled to stay in the lineup as he continues to battle injuries.
Outfielder Carlos Beltran will be back soon enough hoping the re-find the form that made him a perennial All-Star. The Mets will also hope that rookie first baseman Ike Davis will continue to produce even as teams get second and third looks at him.
The NL East will be a wide-open race though. And luckily for the Mets, they've got Santana rounding into the form everyone expects from him to help Pelfrey at the top of the rotation. If they can get just a little more offensive production from their more important offensive players, they'll be in the race come September.
