Jose Reyes, after an extended slump that had his batting average near .250, his passion in question and his coach’s job in jeopardy, has officially warmed up, and begun to sizzle, for the New York Mets. With a patented first-inning infield single Sunday night against the Dodgers, Reyes extended his hitting streak to 17 and led to the Mets to their fifth win in six games. He finished 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored and a stolen base.

Reyes is batting .338 over 74 at-bats during the hit streak with 14 runs, 5 home runs, 11 RBIs and a .608 slugging percentage. He has also reached base safely in 30 straight games, a Mets record for a leadoff hitter, and is “quietly” leading the team with 18 stolen bases.

Judging by the Mets’ lopsided winning percentage when Jose Reyes is successful, it is clear that he is, as a dynamic leadoff hitter is prone to be, the driving force behind the New York Mets’ lineup and those of countless fantasy owners. Hence the deafening sigh of relief.

Dave DeIuliis will be a senior in Penn State’s School of Journalism. He can be reached at dmd5042@psu.edu.