SUBWAY SERIES

Last week we were excited about the New York Mets and their five-game winning streak. We’re now more than twice as excited as that.

The Mets’ 6-3 win on Thursday over the Atlanta Braves was their 11^th straight, tying a franchise record. They’ve done it five times and in 1986 and 1969 went on to win the World Series.

“It’s a huge accomplishment,” Mets manager Terry Collins said after a 10-0 homestand. “I’m very proud of the guys. But it’s over. We’re going to enjoy it tonight, but we’ve got to get ready. We’ve got a tough road trip ahead of us starting on the other side of town.”

Yes, the Mets have a road trip from Queens to the Bronx, where they’ll play the New York Yankees in a Subway Series. No, do not expect to see the Mets on the D train.

The Mets (13-3) lead the National League East by three games over the Braves. The Yankees, after an iffy start, have won their last and, at 9-7, are tied for first place in the American League East with the Boston Red Sox. Mets fans have already been buying up tickets to create a raucous atmosphere among the Yankees fans.

“I know there’s a lot of Mets pride going on and I know there’s a lot of Yankees stuff for years and years, so I look forward to the environment,” Yankees third baseman Chase Headley told Newsday. “I think it’s good. Probably nobody likes to hear that as a Yankees fan, but I think it’s good when both teams are good. It’s good for baseball.”

The three-game Subway Series begins Friday night at Yankee Stadium and concludes on Sunday night. They’ll meet again in mid-September at Citi Field. If both are in the playoff chase, Headley will be proven right.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .