NEW YORK _ It was exactly one week ago on Wednesday that the Mets faced a critical point in their season. At least, it felt that way.
In getting swept by the Nationals seven days ago, the Mets looked lifeless, beaten down by the rigors of a trying season. They were lost, not the way they hoped to begin a critical 14-game stretch leading up to the All-Star break.
But the last week brought new life. And when the Nationals arrive on Thursday for the first of a four-game set, they encounter a surging Mets squad that has won six of their last seven games, the latest a 4-2 triumph over the Marlins on Wednesday.
Giancarlo Stanton hit two mammoth homers, giving him four in his last two days. But Wilmer Flores matched the Marlins slugger with a pair of homers of his own.
Flores' second two-homer game in four days came as Jose Reyes showed his first signs of life. In line to supplant Flores at third base, Reyes ripped a pair of doubles. He finished 2-for-4 after going 0-for-4 in his first game since re-signing with the Mets on Tuesday night.
"Last night, I think it was one of the few times in his career that he's been nervous," Collins said before Wednesday's game. "As we get more into this and he seems more comfortable, you'll see a much better player than what his at-bats were last night."
Indeed, Reyes looked comfortable receiving his second chance with the Mets following his 52-game suspension from his Oct. 31 arrest for domestic violence while a member of the Colorado Rockies. Nevertheless, for the second straight day, he was showered with cheers.
Meanwhile, despite sagging velocity early in the season, Jacob deGrom capped an impressive first half, picking up the victory after holding the Marlins to two runs in seven innings. In his final start before the All-Star break, deGrom tossed a season-high 117 pitches.
Curtis Granderson, moved into the second spot with Reyes leading off, took advantage of a chance to deliver with runners on base. With runners on second and third, Granderson laced a one-out single to right, clearing the bases in the third and giving the Mets a 3-0 advantage.
Granderson entered play hitting just .132 with runners in scoring position. But that's the kind of week the Mets have enjoyed.
