Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose! He's back

Actually, Jose Reyes has been back for a while now, having reached base in 35 straight games with an 18-game hitting streak tucked in there, but now the team around him is starting to click as well. The Mets have won seven of their last 10 games and their last three series, taking game three against the Giants Wednesday.

Reyes (three hits) led off with a double and scored on Carlos Beltran's two-run double in the first inning when the Mets grabbed a 3-0 lead. Reyes blasted a two-run homer to deep centerfield in the fourth to give the Mets a 5-1 lead, and the Mets held on for the 5-3 win. Carlos Delgado also had two hits.

John Maine pitched well again, throwing six innings and allowing seven hits and a walk, striking out four for his sixth win of the season. Duaner Sanchez allowed a run in two innings of work and Billy Wagner came on for his 13th save of the year.

Thankfully, the Reds beat the previously red-hot Phillies, and the Mets find themselves 3 1/2 games behind Philly and 2 games behind the Marlins. The Mets are tied with Atlanta, but with Smoltz out for the year expect the Braves to fall short. They'll be tough, but they won't have enough to contend. (I think).