So this is what winning feels like

Ryan Church was back in the lineup Sunday night, and in a big way.

Cleared by doctors to return to the field after his concussion, Church had three hits -- including a double and his 10th homer of the season -- and now the Mets' turnaround truly feels complete. Johan Santana pitched well, the offense posted a big inning and the bullpen was once again flawless as the Mets won, 6-1, their fifth win in six games to complete a 5-2 homestand and get them a game above .500 as they embark on a West Coast road trip.

Just seeing Church's name in the lineup provided a boost, and then he literally provided a boost in the Mets' five-run third inning. With two outs and Reyes on third, Wright singles off Hiroki Kuroda, who just couldn't get that final out. Carlos Beltran followed with a monster two-run homer, and after Delgado walked, Church launched a blast to right that put the Mets up by five.

Santana allowed a run just two batters into the game, but allowed just four hits the rest of the way, pitching 7 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out six to improve to 7-3 on the season. The Mets have won 9 of his 12 starts.

Reyes extended his hitting streak to 17 games and has reached base in 32 straight games, one shy of Darryl Strawberry's club record. Wright had three hits and drove in two. Castillo was back and went 0-for-5.

Hopefully, the Mets can continue winning on the road despite being forced to fly to San Francisco without an off day. Ollie Perez goes tonight and will either keep the good vibes going or be Debbie Downer. Then Pedro finally comes back on Tuesday night.