Matt Harvey provides New York Mets reason for optimism

SAN DIEGO -- For the first time this season, the New York Mets moved into first place in the National League East with a second consecutive win over the San Diego Padres on Sunday at Petco Park.

However, that wasn't the main subject of discussion for New York manager Terry Collins as the Mets prepared to board a bus for the three-hour trip to Los Angeles and the continuation of an 11-game road trip to the National League West.

Right-handed starter Matt Harvey had his best outing of the season Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks with a season-best

10 strikeouts in six innings.

"Matt had better command over his fastball today," Collins said. "As a matter of fact, the one pitch, the home run pitch, you could see he wanted to get the ball in and didn't get it in. So again, it's about command.

"I don't care how hard you throw, it's all about command. I thought his breaking ball was much better today. I just think it was a good outing for him. I think he should really take advantage of this one and move on."

Harvey said, "I thought my mechanics and command were a lot better today. It wasn't perfect, it never is. But I was able to put the ball where I needed to put it."

Harvey still has not lasted more than six innings in a start this season, but he improved to 3-4 with a 4.50 ERA after the win over the Padres. He has allowed more than three earned runs in just one of his seven starts.