Their 9-0 loss to the Rays at Citi Field epitomized a series that saw cracks -- in some cases, for the first time all year -- surface in various corners of the roster. The sweep itself was not overly damaging for the Mets, who still lead the National League East by 2 1/2 games and hold the best record in the NL.

NEW YORK — The Rays made it a clean sweep of the previously major-league-best Mets on Sunday, rolling to a 9-0 victory. A three-run second inning that included one hit out of the infield, a two-run double by Jonathan Aranda and a three-run homer by Junior Caminero provided most of the offense.

It was a travel day Thursday for the Rays while the Mets were in action completing a series sweep of the Washington Nationals. Jeff McNeil went yard for the seventh time this season to pace the attack against the Nats. The Mets are now 27-7 at Citi Field.

When the Mets host the Nationals from June 12–14 at Citi Field, it’s a chance to take control of the NL East. The Mets are 44–24 and 24–8 at home and sweeping Washington could extend the lead and send a message to Philly and Atlanta. The Nationals are under .500 but never an easy opponent and could cut into the Mets’ lead with one or two wins.

Fast-starting Mets look to get jump on White Sox, earn series sweep Getting off to fast starts hasn't been a problem lately for the otherwise offensively challenged New York Mets. The Mets will ...

Kodai Senga is slated to take the mound for New York against Antonio Senzatela for Colorado.