Offensive Explosion: Mets roll with big 3rd

Zack Wheeler's now 7-3 on the year after the New York Mets use a 6-run 3rd inning in their 11-3 win over the Washington Nationals.

Already with a 2-0 lead in the 3rd, The Mets pieced together three straight singles before Ike Davis provided the first out via a sacrifice fly to left field to plate the 2nd run of the inning.  Then three more straight singles chased starting pitcher Dan Haren from the game.  Two straight walks from new pitcher Tanner Roark plated the 4th run of the inning, and then back to bat for the 2nd time in the inning, Eric Young brought the last two runs of the inning home with a single to left to give the Mets a 8-0 lead.

Zack Wheeler retired the first 8 of the game before surrendering the first hit of the game to relief pitcher Roark.  He and following hitter Denard Span would be stranded after Ryan Zimmerman lined out.

The Nationals would get on the board after Zack Wheeler started the bottom 6th by hitting Anthony Rendon, who moved to 3rd base on Denard Span's single.  A walk to Bryce Harper loaded the bases, and then Jayson Werth and Ian Desmond brought runs home.  But the threat was over when Adam LaRoche lined out, with the Mets up 8-2 at that time.

The Mets would add three more runs in the 8th, and the Nationals would plate one in the 9th, but it would be the Mets taking their second straight against the Nationals with their 11-3 victory.

Zack Wheeler gave up 5 hits in his 6 2/3rd innings, striking out 3 and walking 1, as his record improves to 7-3 on the year.  Dan Haren pitched only 2 2/3rd innings, his shortest start since September 7th, 2005, when he gave up 5 runs on 8 hits against the Seattle Mariners as a member of the Oakland A's.  This was the second time this year that Haren failed to make it to the 4th inning, the last coming on June 22nd when he pitched 3 1/3rd innings against the Colorado Rockies.

Associated Press via NorthJersey.com

No Ike: Ike Davis left the game in the 3rd inning with a side injury during his sacrifice fly.  There's no timetable for his return, but sources are saying that the Mets 1st Baseman will be out for the remainder of the season.

Under The Lights: The Mets aim to sweep the Nationals on national television tonight as Jonathan Niese will try to carry a winning record for the first time since his April 12th outing against the Minnesota Twins.  This is Niese's first time seeing the Nationals hitters this year.  Last year Niese was 1-0 with 1 no-decision against the Nationals, giving up only one run in the two outings at Nationals Park.  Ross Ohlendorf will take the mound for the Nationals, giving up 6 hits and only 1 run in his last start against the Mets on July 26th.  In that game, he struck out 8.

Radio: 7:25PM - 1230 FOX Sports Radio - TV: 8:00PM - ESPN2