Every bit of positive news the Mets received on Thursday seemed to be canceled out by an equally harrowing development.
But the Mets, short-handed and reeling after two demoralizing losses to the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants, scrapped their way to a 5-4 win, avoiding a sweep and their first three-game losing streak at home this season.
The victory did not come easy.
Jon Niese, who was 0-4 with a 7.96 E.R.A. in his last five starts, allowed two runs in the first inning.
Two days after the Mets were no-hit by Chris Heston, five of the first 10 outs recorded by Giants starter Tim Lincecum were strikeouts, and the Mets were hitless and looked overmatched.