Harvey turns attention to building on strong debut

PHOENIX -- With his parents in tow, Matt Harvey wandered around greater Phoenix late Thursday night in search of a place open late enough to eat. For one evening, the family allowed themselves to revel in Harvey's successful Major League debut.

Then they parted ways, Harvey went to sleep, woke up and forgot about it.

"We're all excited about what happened last night," manager Terry Collins said. "But it's over with now."

If Harvey is truly going to help the Mets take the next step toward contention, he will need to give them more than 5 1/3 strong innings. So Harvey went about his business Friday as he would on any other post-start day, running, working on his lower-body strength and preparing to throw a bullpen session Saturday.

"When I woke up, last night was over to me," Harvey said. "Obviously I'm extremely happy with the way that I threw the ball, and a win is a win -- it's something that we really needed as a team."

Harvey played a significant role in that win, striking out 11 over his 5 1/3 scoreless innings and rapping out two hits at the plate. His next start, Tuesday in San Francisco, will come opposite two-time Cy Young Award-winner Tim Lincecum.