And they're over .500

The Mets, tonight, kept Matt Chico winless as they conquered the Nationals for the second straight night, this time by a score of 5-2. Once again, good pitching was an integral component in the victory. John Maine gave up just 2 runs in 6.2 innings. Joe Smith relieved and Billy Wagner saved as the Mets emerged victorious.

On the hitting side, the Mets performed well. Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran each launched their first home runs of the year and Ryan Church hit his second. Luis Castillo went 3-4, which is a great sign for the slumping second baseman.

If the Mets can continue to get quality starting pitching from their 2-4 starters, they should rule the division and regain the crown that they lost to the Phillies in 2007. The past two nights' pitching of Pelfrey and Maine is extremely exciting. Not to be ignored, too, is the quality relief of the past two nights. If the pitching can hold up, the sky is the limit for 2008.

The Mets now stand alone in second place at 7-6, 1.5 games behind the Florida Marlins.