The day after New York City celebrated a historic championship in the basketball world, the New York Mets decided to join in on the fun by defeating the Atlanta Braves 8-1. This victory at Citi Field allowed the Mets to win the weekend series, taking two out of three games from the best team in baseball.
The Mets finished the weekend with a record of 32-39, bringing them a bit closer to a wild card spot. The Mets have won 10 of their last 16 games and are now seven games under the .500 mark.
Freddy Peralta started on the mound for the Mets and struggled early in the game. Michael Harris II, Mauricio Dubon, and Matt Olson each hit consecutive singles to load the bases. However, Peralta managed to strike out Ozzie Albies and limited the damage by allowing only one run on a sacrifice fly by Dominic Smith.
After that rough start, Peralta settled down, not allowing any runs for the remainder of his outing. He gave up a total of just four hits, along with a walk, while striking out two, over five innings, earning his fifth win of the season. Cionel Perez, Daniel Duarte, A.J. Minter, and the ever-reliable Huascar Brazobán then held the Braves scoreless in the ninth, continuing the strong performance of the Mets’ bullpen this season.
Despite falling behind early, the Mets’ offense responded aggressively against Braves starter Bryce Elder. Jared Young drove in a run in the first inning after the Mets got two runners on base. A.J. Ewing followed by driving in both Young and Juan Soto, and Brett Baty added to the scoring by driving in Ewing, putting the Mets ahead 4-1 by the end of the first inning.
Ewing continued his strong performance by hitting his second home run of the season (and of his career) in the bottom of the fifth inning. He was followed immediately by Marcus Semien, who hit his ninth home run of the season. Semien’s homer was nearly caught when Michael Harris II leaped towards the right-center wall, but a collision with the wall caused him to lose the ball from his glove, allowing the home run to stand.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Carson Benge and Bo Bichette both hit singles and advanced to second and third on a throwing error by Atlanta. Juan Soto then drove both runners home, increasing the Mets’ lead to 8-1 and all but sealing their series win.
The Mets offense was impressive, recording 13 hits overall, with A.J. Ewing standing out as the star of the game. He collected three of the Mets’ 13 hits, knocked in two RBIs, and was just a triple short of hitting for the cycle.
Player of the Game: A.J. Ewing
Fitting that a player named Ewing in orange and blue performed well after the Knicks broke their 53-year championship drought, as he went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in, including his second career home run. Ewing has continued to find ways to contribute on both sides of the ball, and the Mets are reaping the benefits from this since his promotion.
On Deck
No rest for the weary as the Mets are right back at it Monday, as they travel out to Cincinnati to take on the Reds at Great American Ballpark. The Mets have yet to announce a starter for the first game of the series, but will be opposed by Chase Burns (7-1, 2.14 ERA) for the Reds. First pitch will take place at 7:10 pm ET and will be broadcast on SNY and Mets Radio 880.
