Mets sweep Nats 7-4, sit atop NL East

May 27, 11:34 PMNew York Mets ExaminerAndrew Mees

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the New York Mets Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Daniel Murphy Celebrates his sixth inning homer.

The biggest factor in the Mets' recent run can't walk or talk, but it's been as vital to their recent success as anyone wearing orange and blue.

The Amazin's remained perfect in the reviewed home run department Wednesday night, as instant replay turned Daniel Murphy's double into a two-run homer, lifting the Mets to a 5-3 advantage and propelling them to a 7-4 victory over the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.

In its first full season, replay has been extremely fond of the Metropolitans, ruling in favor of them on all five occasions.  Murphy's blast appeared to be in play as it headed out to the Pepsi Porch in right, but the umpires ruled it had hit off a Subway sign at the base of the porch, which is considered a home run.

The blow provided starter Johan Santana with a lead the bullpen did not relinquish, earning the ace his National League-leading seventh victory.  It was an uncharacteristic performance for the southpaw; he walked six Nationals hitters over six innings, one short of his career high.  He needed 120 pitches to record 18 outs and walked four in a 41-pitch fourth inning, even surrendering a monstrous home run to Adam Dunn, which could still be traveling as we speak. 

But he only yielded three runs, and his offense, for a change, came to the party on a night he was on the mound.  Gary Sheffield's 2-run double in the second gave the club an early lead, and Murphy widened the gap to 3-0 with an RBI single in the third.

After Santana had given the lead away, his first baseman carried him and his team to a win, with four RBIs in his final two at-bats.  After his homer in the sixth, his two-RBI double in the seventh put the victory on ice, and secured the sweep and a spot atop the National League East heading into an off day. 

The Amazin's return to action Friday night, when they welcome the Florida Marlins for a three-game set.  Mike Pelfrey will take the bump for New York, opposite Sean West for the Marlins.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM. 

For More Information: Check out the Associated Press wrap-up.