ATLANTA — One year ago, the Mets started out 7-4 and then reality set in, but at least the fans had Matt Harvey Day every five days and the All-Star Game at Citi Field on the horizon.
It’s a much different story this season. The Mets must have early success, or else they will lose whatever is left of their fan base.
Thursday night was a good start in that direction, but it is going to take much more.
For a change, the Mets were aggressive. Imagine that.
Juan Lagares’ two-out base hit to right field scored Daniel Murphy in the seventh to break a 4-4 tie on the way to a 6-4 victory over the Braves at Turner Field. The pitch was a high slider and Lagares was looking to make something happen, drive in a run.
“Hitting is not easy,’’ said Lagares, who has been getting guidance from Murphy, among others, and is batting .303. “You have to keep your mind clear. I’m always trying to be aggressive.’’
The Mets have won the last two series and are 4-5. But there are some disturbing elements.
They have bungled the first base situation, one of their big free agent signings — Chris Young — has yet to play a game and their $60 million man — Curtis Granderson — is struggling with a .125 average and owns 11 strikeouts in 32 at-bats.
Yes, this is the tiniest of samples, but so far the sample reads: Jason Bay.
The Mets are in the midst of a nine-game trip that moves on to Anaheim, Calif., Friday.
The Angels have lost Josh Hamilton, so with all the talk about this being a tough early schedule, it’s not as difficult as it is made out to be. The Diamondbacks lost five of their first eight.
If the Mets don’t start winning games immediately, the team is in danger of becoming Astro-fied — without the top position prospects the Astros have. Mets fans have been extremely loyal, but they can only take so much.
Here is the hard truth: Since the 2012 All-Star break, the Mets own a 106-141 record. This is progress?
The wins and the payroll keep shrinking. The Mets are 22nd in payroll.
On this night, the Mets finally got something out of their leadoff hitter, Eric Young Jr., who scored four runs, stole three bases and continues to play much better away from Citi Field. Murphy had a big night too, with three hits, three RBIs and two runs scored.
The Mets took advantage of Braves catcher Ryan Doumit, who would have trouble throwing out Bartolo Colon.
As for the upcoming series with the Angels, Collins was blunt about the thumb injury that knocked Hamilton out of the lineup.
“You don’t wish that on anybody,” Collins said. “Josh is a great player, but I can’t feel sorry that he’s missing our series.’’
The Mets will take all the help they can get at this point.
“We need to take this momentum out west,’’ said Young Jr., who has gone back to a much simpler, balanced batting stance, and like Lagares has tried not to over-think in the batter’s box.
The Mets got a break Thursday when Braves’ star shortstop Andrelton Simmons was scratched with a jammed wrist.
Collins has had to try to find a way to keep his players sharp, especially Ike Davis, who has been relegated to a backup.
“It’s very difficult,’’ Collins admitted.
Life is difficult as a Met. That’s just the way it is. This is a franchise that needs to rise above the difficulties it has created.
There has to be more nights like Thursday, when the offense clicks, or else it will be another lost season.
The Mets strung together some hits and ran the bases well. That can be magic. The rebuilt bullpen was solid, getting a big night from winner Carlos Torres.
The Mets can’t sit around and feel sorry for themselves. Stay aggressive and keep fans interested in the present.