NL East Standings: NY Mets sweep of the Phillies sends a thunderous statement

Starling Marte caps off an electric bottom of the tenth with an RBI single to complete a 4-3 come-from-behind victory and a three-game sweep over the Phillies. In the New York Mets' first major test of the season, they passed with flying colors. While it's still only April and there is a lot of baseball left, they just made a huge statement.

Going into this season the biggest challengers in the division for the Mets were the Phillies and the Braves. Many analysts projected them to have a better roster than the Mets and for them to win the division. However, given the early developments, these predictions appear to be dead wrong.

Why this sweep over the Phillies is huge for the Mets

Wednesday afternoon walk-off win was more than just the completion of a three-game sweep. After sweeping a four-game series against the St.Louis Cardinals, the sweep of the Phillies capped off a 7-0 homestand for the Mets. It's only the second time in franchise history that the Mets have had an undefeated home stand of seven or more games.

Winning at home has been what the Mets have done best this season. They're currently 12-1, the best home record in franchise history through this many games. The Mets are rewarding the fans for their overwhelming support of the team. They have been averaging 36,579 fans per game, the sixth-best mark in the MLB. It's not just that fans are packing the ballpark, but they are creating a playoff-type atmosphere in April, and the Mets are feeding off this energy.

It's not just at home where the Mets are finding success. They are currently 18-7, which is the best record in the MLB. A game better than the Padres, who are 17-8. While this is impressive, people were quick to dismiss it because the Mets played a "cupcake" schedule. Once they play teams who are not struggling and fighting for a playoff spot, they will come back to earth.

However, the Phillies' sweep kills that narrative. The Phillies were a team that many thought would win the NL East. Some even went so far as to say they would win the World Series. Now that the Mets have swept the Phillies, it shows they can beat good teams. This start is not the result of a weak schedule. It's because the Mets are one of the best teams in the league.

It also makes the Mets the team to beat in the NL East. Even with the Mets beating the Phillies in the NLDS and going farther than the Braves in the playoffs, those two were the team to beat in the NL East. But with the sweep of the Phillies and the Braves imploding, that title belongs to the Mets.

The most exciting part about this start is that it's coming when the Mets are not at full strength. They've been without everyday starters Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez. It's also come with Juan Soto getting off to a slow start. While there are things to be concerned about, like whether the pitching can hold up or what the injury status of Edwin Diaz is, Mets fans have a lot to be excited about.