Mets Finish Sweep of Cardinals, 6-2

Willie Randolph swears there was no special message in the New York Mets’ three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals. After all, in this runaway season, the Mets have swept eight other series.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” the manager said. “We don’t focus on any particular team.”

But this particular Cardinals team has won 205 games the last two years. So in the matchup of first-place teams, it was time for a statement, and the Mets made one.

Thursday night’s 6-2 victory completed New York’s third straight sweep and gave the Mets seven straight victories and 11 in a row at Shea Stadium. The Mets (78-48) moved to 30 games over .500 for the first time since 1999.

Jose Reyes had three hits and Carlos Delgado homered for the fourth time in four games.

Before the game, the Mets optioned outfielder Lastings Milledge to triple-A Norfolk and activated pitcher Brian Bannister, who will start tonight, from the disabled list. The Mets also designated outfielder Ricky Ledee for assignment.