The Mets scored three runs in the bottom of the eight inning to cap off a 4-2 comeback victory over the Atlanta Braves to salvage the third game of the series and avoid getting swept.
Shaun Marcum started for the Mets and was dealing in what was his best start of the season for the Mets. Marcum held the Braves scoreless through six innings before Dan Uggla tagged him for a two-run homer in the seventh. The righthander struck out a season high 12 batters, walked none and lowered his ERA to 5.77 for the season, but would not figure in the decision. It was a solid effort for Marcus and hopefully he can finally give the team a reliable starter out of the bottom of the rotation.
Latroy Hawkins held the Braves at bay with a scoreless eighth, and Bobby Parnell closed it out with a perfect ninth to earn his seventh save of the season.
With the Braves clinging to a 2-1 lead, the Mets offense came alive in the bottom of the eight when they broke through with three runs to take the 4-2 lead. Surprisingly, Ike Davis had the biggest hit of the night with a bases loaded single to drive home two runs – a hard grounder that just eluded the outstretched glove of Freddie Freeman. Catcher John Buck roared with approval and pointed to Davis as he scored the Mets fourth run. Davis was on base three times during the game – two singles and a walk.
Lucas Duda hit his ninth home run of the season off of Braves starter Julio Teheran in the fourth and had three hits for the night. Duda now has a 10-game hitting streak.
Here come the Bronx Bombers… The Mets now host the Yankees on Monday in the opener a four-game, two-borough subway series. First pitch is at 7:10 PM with Jonathon Niese (3-5, 4.80 ERA) opposing righthander Phil Hughes (2-3, 5.51).
