The Happy Recap: Mets 5, Nationals 2

Jose is Jose again, John Maine got his first win of the season, and the bullpen looked terrific. Sure, it's the Nationals, but considering how the Mets fared against the likes of Washington and Florida in September, they know not to take anyone lightly (we hope).

Here's what I said in my Feb. 23 post regarding Reyes toning down his act in the face of misguided media and fan criticism:

"So Reyes will play with less exuberance. And if he gets off to a slow start, the media will hammer him and say, "He's not the same Reyes." And we'll wonder why."

Thankfully, Carlos Beltran stepped in and told Jose to just be himself. Matthew Cerrone over at Metsblog makes a great point about the different kinds of leadership. Beltran clearly has a voice and a presence in the clubhouse and his advice to Reyes was savvy. It sure looked like it's paid dividends, with his monster game Tuesday and then Wednesday's home run. Hopefully, the steals will follow.

Nice rally in the fifth: homer, single, single, homer, with Beltran hitting the three-run shot after singles by Church and Wright. Church also homered in the second and is now hitting .350 against lefties this season. So far, he has looked legit.

Not Maine's best effort, and he was frustrated with the four walks himself, but still a solid effort with 6 2/3 innings. Joe Smith looks like he's figured things out again and was great in the seventh and eighth innings, and Billy Wagner was perfect in the ninth. If Smith can get back on track, with Sanchez -- that bullpen is pretty good.