Zack Wheeler continued a strong July audition as a potential trade chip for the New York Mets on Tuesday night, when the right-hander tossed seven strong innings and earned the win as the Mets beat the visiting San Diego Padres 6-3.

By winning the middle game of the three-game series after a Monday loss, the Mets gave themselves a chance to snap their series victory drought at 17 -- one shy of the team record, set in 1982 -- in Wednesday's finale. The Padres have lost eight of their past 10 games.

Wheeler (4-6) allowed two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out three. The 28-year-old retired the final 12 batters he faced following Wil Myers' two-run single in the third inning.

Wheeler, whose name has been bandied about in trade rumors involving the rebuilding Mets, has a 3.86 ERA with 85 strikeouts in his past 86 1/3 innings over a 14-start span dating back to May 9. He has pitched into the seventh inning in five of his past six starts.

Catcher Devin Mesoraco provided his batterymate all the support he'd need in the first inning by lacing a three-run double. Michael Conforto launched a two-run homer in the third, and Asdrubal Cabrera added an RBI single in the fourth.

Conforto finished with two hits.

Wheeler faced the minimum number of batters in every inning except the third, when he allowed two singles and a walk before Myers' two-run single to left. Manuel Margot was originally called out at home for the third out, but a replay showed he was safe. However, the Mets played through the original out call, and Mesoraco threw out Carlos Asuaje trying to advance to third base.

Myers added an RBI double in the ninth off Seth Lugo. Margot also had two hits for the Padres.

Padres rookie left-hander Eric Lauer (5-7) took the loss after allowing six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five over four innings.

--Field Level Media