The New York Mets were routed by the Braves 21-3 in game one of their doubleheader on Saturday. Atlanta set the tone early, taking a lead in the first inning, and then scoring in every inning after except for the third and fifth.

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Matt Olson was at the forefront of the Braves onslaught. The first baseman went 3-for-5 in game one, clubbing his 41st and 42nd home runs of the season while driving in four runs. With his two long balls, Olson took the MLB lead for home runs in 2023 over Shohei Ohtani.

Olson’s first home run came in the top of the sixth inning, which extended the lead to 8-0. The Braves had scored five runs before the sixth off Mets’ opener Denyi Reyes, who was called up to the roster prior to the 1:10 p.m. start time. Reyes lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits, four walks, and five earned runs.

The second home run from Olson came in the top of the eighth against Josh Walker in the rain. His solo shot extended the Braves lead to 12-0 and gave him the MLB lead in home runs. It was his fourth RBI of the day.

Ozzie Albies and Nicky Lopez also had big days for the Braves. Both recorded home runs against the Mets’ bullpen, with Albies driving in six runs and Lopez driving in five. Lopez also ended his day on the mound, pitching a scoreless ninth inning to end the game.

 

Meanwhile, the Mets’ offense had no response for the Braves. The team was shut out for the first eight innings of the game until Daniel Vogelbach hit a three-run home run. With their loss in game one on Saturday, New York has been outscored by Atlanta 28-3 in two games.

Losing to the Braves has become a regular feat for the Mets. New York has now lost 13 of their last 15 games against Atlanta, and currently trail the Braves by 22.5 games. It’s also the first time the Braves have scored 20+ runs in a game since June 30, 2021, which also came against the Mets.

Before the game, Brandon Nimmo was left out of the Mets’ lineup. Buck Showalter spoke to the media and stated that he didn’t feel comfortable playing the outfielder in both games, insinuating the centerfielder would start in game two.

Bad Day At The Office

The Mets opted to throw their bullpen in game one of their doubleheader against the Braves. That decision proved to be wrong, as Reyes (5), Reed Garrett (6), Walker (2), and Danny Mendick (8) allowed 21 earned runs.

On Deck

The day doesn’t get easier for New York, as Spencer Strider will start game two. While Strider has pitched to a 6.75 ERA in August, the right-hander is still dominating this season and leads MLB with a 2.94 FIP and 14.4 SO/9 rate.

The Mets will counter with José Quintana, who has been reliable for New York. The left-hander had a great start last time out against the AL-leading Baltimore Orioles, striking out six batters while allowing only two runs on the road.

Game two is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be televised on FOX and can be listened to on WCBS 880.