Mets beat Red Sox to avoid home sweep

NEW YORK >> With every swing, a healthy Michael Cuddyer is becoming a major player for the New York Mets.

Cuddyer hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning and the NL East leaders stopped their five-game home skid, averting a sweep by beating the Boston Red Sox 5-4 Sunday.

The 36-year-old Cuddyer kept up his three-week surge since coming off the disabled list, going 3 for 3 with a walk. He’s hit .375 since being sidelined by a bruised knee.

“It definitely was a factor. But it wasn’t the reason I was struggling or whatever the case was,” he said.

“And it’s not the reason why I’ve gotten some hits the last few days. But it’s part of it, there’s no question about that,” he added. “It

feels good. Able to plant on it. Stronger.”

Cuddyer didn’t make much of an impact at the start of the season with his new team. Now, the 2013 NL batting champion is a key contributor.

“With his knee feeling better, he’s swinging the bat great. And as we head down the last month, he’s going to be important,” manager Terry Collins said.

“He’s an outstanding player and he’s a pro. That’s

why we got him here,” he added. “We brought him in here to be that kind of a player.”

Cuddyer’s go-ahead hit came after Daniel Murphy stole second base with two outs — “sneak-attack mode,” Cuddyer said.

The Mets held their 5 ½-game division lead over Washington.

Boston slugger David Ortiz connected off Noah Syndergaard for his 494th home run, moving past Lou Gehrig and Fred McGriff for 27th place on the career list.

The last-place Red Sox were denied their first road sweep of the season.