Mets are impressed by Brewers’ victory

NEW YORK — With an impressive combination of clutch hits and aggressive baserunning, the Milwaukee Brewers showed they’re good enough to beat up on one of the best teams in the National League.

J.J. Hardy hit a grand slam and Tony Gwynn Jr. played a solid all-around game to lead the Brewers past the New York Mets, 12-3, on Saturday. The Mets (22-13) had won three games in a row and seven of nine.

“They waxed us all over the field. They played hungry,” New York’s David Wright said. “They’re a good team, no doubt about that. They do everything well. If they stay healthy, I don’t see why they won’t be one of the top teams in the National League when it’s said and done.”

Two hit batters helped Milwaukee load the bases in the eighth, and Gwynn hit a run-scoring single for his career-best third hit. Hardy followed with his second slam and third homer in four games to make it 9-3. The Brewers have won 11 of 13 to improve baseball’s best record to 25-11.

Some think the unheralded Brewers (16-5 at home) have fattened up on a soft schedule in the weak Central Division. But after a 5-4 loss in the series opener that ended a six-game winning streak, Milwaukee overwhelmed the defending East Division champions.

“It’s a big win, but not necessarily because it’s against the Mets. It’s very early,” Gwynn said.