The New York Mets (60-63) needed to build positive momentum before returning home to Citi Field on Friday, and did just that snapping several negative streaks in the 7-3 victory over the San Diego Padres (55-70) on Wednesday night.

New York recorded their first victory at PETCO Park, taking two-of three from the Padres. As the Mets had everything going, including some stellar defensive plays-which were the keys to the crucial win.

Righty-starter Dillon Gee (W, 11-4) became the first rookie since 1984 to record 11 victories this season. Gee went 6.2 innings, striking out five batters and also giving up five hits. The rookie-sensation only gave up one run, in snapping a 36 game streak in which Mets starters gave up two, or more runs.

The five strikeouts that Gee recorded all came on the changeup, as the righty regained his command on the hill. Also helping was stellar defensive play by the Mets, as Jason Pridie began the night by catching a hard-hit fly ball in the bottom of the first.

Leading the way both with his glove and at the dish was David Wright, who recorded a three-run homer (10) that gave the Mets the lead in the top of the third. The All Star third baseman also made several defensive plays, including an amazing fake out in the bottom of the fourth.

Wright was able to make a diving grab on a hard-hit ball by Logan Forsythe, making it like he was going to throw to first, instead was able to get the very speedy Cameron Maybin out at third base. Maybin over slid the bag, which allowed the Mets third baseman to make the slick play.

Gee was struck in the kneecap in the top of the seventh, but decided to continue the game. It had seemed as if the righty had lost command in the bottom of the frame, giving up two doubles to the Padres-which plated the first San Diego run of the game.

Relief pitcher Manny Acosta got the biggest out in that inning, getting Padres shortstop Jason Bartlett to strike out with the bases loaded.

The Mets were able to add on key insurance-runs in the eighth inning as Angel Pagan laced a two-run single to right field, which gave New York the 7-1 lead

Ryota Igarashi had an interesting bottom of the ninth, running into trouble in the frame giving up three San Diego runs. The righty eventually was able to close out the 7-3 game on a strike out to Bartlett.

New York will have a day off on Thursday, before starting a three-game set with the Milwaukee Brewers (72-51). Game One will feature Mike Pelfrey (6-9, 4.58 ERA) taking on Shaun Marcum (10-3) with the first pitch slated for 7:10 p.m.

Written on August 18, 2011