Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
David Peterson got the start for the Mets (17-8) against the Braves (11-14) in the first game of the double header Tuesday afternoon at Citi Field. This was Peterson’s first major league start since being sent down to the minor leagues on April 23, when the Mets needed an extra bullpen arm with the impending return of Taijuan Walker.
Peterson struggled in his one AAA start in between, giving up seven runs in 4 2/3 innings. Peterson seemed to shake off the rust against the Braves, pitching well for the first four innings against Braves. He struggled a bit in the fifth inning, but he pitched well-enough to get the win, thanks to some help from the Mets offense and solid pitching from the bullpen.
The Mets offense got things started early, scoring two runs in the first inning. Travis Jankowski used his speed to beat out an infield hit, and Francisco Lindor was hit by a pitch—the 22 time for the Mets this year. Jankowski and Lindor scored on back-to-back singles by Pete Alsonso and Eduardo Escobar.
The Mets would also score two runs in the second inning. They loaded the bases on a fielding error by Braves’ second baseman Ozzie Albies. Luis Guillorme scored on a slow ground ball out off the bat of Lindor and Jankowski scored again on an Alonso single.
The Mets tacked on a fifth run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Jankowski used his speed again, this time stealing second and taking third on an errant throw. Jankowski then scored on a sac fly off the bat of Mark Canha. This run would prove important later in the game, as the Mets offense did not score again.
David Peterson pitched well to start the game. He threw a scoreless first inning and was hurt by a missed call from the third-base umpire in the second inning. A ground ball down the third base line off the bat of Dansby Swanson was called fair when it was actually foul, and the Braves had runners at second and third with one out. A base hit off the bat of Austin Riley gave the Braves their first run of the game.
Peterson was cruising until the fifth inning. With one out and a runner on first, Peterson bobbled a come-backer that could have potentially been an inning-ending double play. After making his first major league error, Peterson gave up a three-run homer to Matt Olson, and the Braves were back within a run, down 5-4.
Adam Ottavino came on in relief to start the sixth inning. He retired the side in order, with two-strike outs. Drew Smith pitched the seventh and eighth innings, both scoreless. Smith has not given up a run yet so far this season.
Edwin Diaz came in to close out the game in the ninth. He struck out the first two batters in brilliant fashion, and after giving up a single, got the final out of the game for his fifth save of the year.
Player of the Game: Travis Jankowski
Jankowski showed today that the Mets were right to keep him on the squad during the roster crunch. He used his speed to get on base twice and his stolen base in the fifth inning helped manufacture what was ultimately the game-winning run. He also played solid defense in center, running down a couple of fly balls.
On Deck:
The Mets and Braves will face each other in the second game of Tuesday’s double header. Carlos Carrasco gets the start for the Mets and Kyle Wright for the Braves. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m.
