NEW YORK -- No Mets pitcher needed a bounceback quite like Jonah Tong .

Just six days ago, Tong grew deeply emotional following his third Major League start, which saw him allow six runs in less than an inning. The Mets promised him another start, but nothing more. At this time of year, with every game crucial, they couldn’t afford to look too far ahead.

Those circumstances made Thursday’s outing a significant one for Tong, who responded with five strong innings in a 6-1 win over the Padres at Citi Field. Tong allowed just one unearned run in the start, striking out eight, as the Mets solidified their standing in the National League Wild Card race.

The victory expanded New York’s lead over the Diamondbacks, who were idle on Thursday, to two games. And it meant that the Giants and

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