Surging Mets Take Over Lead in National League East

Recently acquired center fielder Yoenis Cespedes hit three doubles and drove in four runs as the New York Mets beat the Marlins in Miami 12-1 on August 3rd. In Washington, the Arizona Diamondbacks handed the Nationals their fourth straight loss, and the Mets took over the N.L East lead by one game.

Besides Cespedes, who was picked up before the trading deadline from the Detroit Tigers, the Mets’ other outfielders also had productive nights at the plate. Right fielder Curtis Granderson had three hits and drove in two runs while rookie left fielder Michael Conforto hit a three run homer, his first in the majors.

Wins on the road have been hard to come by for the Mets this season. This victory was just their 18th against 32 losses; the Mets are an excellent 38-18 at home. If they can improve a little on the road they’ll be tough to overtake down the stretch. Washington also has a losing record on the road, but it is a more manageable 26-30.