Behind a three-run home run by Ike Davis and another stellar pitching performance from knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, the New York Mets defeated the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-2, at Busch Stadium. The victory help Dickey (18-4) become the first pitcher in the Major Leagues to reach 18 wins, padding his resume as a Cy Young Award candidate.

Davis' 26th home run of the season came during the top of the fifth inning and pushed the Mets' one-run lead to 5-1. From there, Dickey continued his season-long brilliance finishing with 6 2/3-innings pitched allowing two runs on eight hits. The bullpen tossed 2 1/3-innings of scoreless ball to cement the victory which helped New York avoid a three-game sweep from St. Louis (74-63).

Davis finished 1-for-3 at the plate, while backup third baseman Justin Turner, who got the start over David Wright, went 2-for-4 with two runs.

Losing pitcher Adam Wainwright (13-12) lasted just five innings after allowing five runs on eight hits. The St. Louis bullpen allowed just one run in three innings of work.

For more on the Mets, check out the SB Nation blog Amazin' Avenue.