Final Score: Mets 6 Cardinals 1

The Least You Should Know:

Tonight's win puts the Mets in a three-way tie for first place in the NL East.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis had three hits batting leadoff, including a two-run home run and an RBI single.

Jon Niese struck out 10 batters in six shutout innings, after which Bobby Parnell and Frank Francisco each pitches an inning in relief.

24-year-old reliever Elvin Ramirez made his major-league debut, pitching to four batters and letting up a run, which was their first run of the series.