It was a night of firsts as the Mets completed a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals, 7-4. Johan Santana got the win, his league-leading seventh, with a little help, despite allowing six walks, one an RBI. He struck out 11, and the Mets pitchers struck out 15 on the night.

Daniel Murphy had a huge night, with three hits including five RBI and a home run. The homer was the fourth one in five games that was reviewed with video replay by the umpires. The hit was first called a double as it looked like the ball dropped into right field below the Pepsi Porch.

Jerry Manuel went out to argue that it actually hit the Pepsi Porch facade, which is considered a home run. After a review, the umpires agreed. Even the fans were mixed on whether or not it went the distance as those sitting above it said it didn’t touch the wall, while the ones below said it did. Santana was the beneficiary as the Mets went ahead 5-3 in the bottom of the sixth. He had already thrown 120 pitches.

Luis Castillo reached base five times, with two hits and three walks. Angel Pagan also had a good night at the plate with two hits and a walk. Gary Sheffield was 1-for-2 with two RBI and two walks.

Fernando Martinez had a mixed night making a great catch against the fence in right field. He committed a huge mistake when in the sixth inning he hit a popup in the infield that was dropped. He failed to run right away and was thrown out at first. He was booed in his next at-bat. He still hasn’t gotten his first Major League hit.

One cause of concern is something Manuel said in his post-game news conference. Sheffield was thrown out at home plate when the Murphy home run was initially called a double. He didn’t slide and was tagged out. Manuel said he thought it had to do more with a problem with his legs than a mental mistake. The Mets need to tread lightly here as they can’t afford to lose Sheffield to injury. Luckily, the Mets have an off-day Thursday to rest.

Here are the list of firsts in tonight’s game:

1. The Mets are now in first place, after the Phillies lost to the Marlins, 6-2.
2. Daniel Murphy played first base and committed his first error at that position. Murphy’s five RBI is a career high.
3. David Wright struck out four times, earning his first golden sombrero of his career.
4. Wilson Valdez made his first appearance with his first pinch-hit attempt. He grounded out.