Challenges facing first-place Mets, including daunting August scheduleThe Mets should be clear favorites to win the NL East, but the road won't be easy7/22/2021, 7:30 PMDanny AbrianoManager of Editorial ProductionMichael Conforto and Pete Alonso / USA TODAY Sports/SNY Treated ImageJun 26, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) pitches in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. / Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY SportsJul 9, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports