The Mets couldn’t be much hotter after completing a three-game sweep of the Braves on Thursday night with their ninth win in the past 10 games. Coupled with the Phillies’ loss to Washington, the Amazin’s are now 2 1/2 games up in the NL East. Colleague Larry Brooks goes into detail on why the Mets are trying to coax more innings out of their starters.

Talk about a pleasant development: The Mets expect Ryan Church back in the lineup tonight after a six-week absence due to post-concussion syndrome.

In the notebook, Tom Seaver discusses his long-held dislike of Shea Stadium. There is also an item on Luis Castillo.