Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
On a forgettable night in Atlanta, the Mets (41-35) were blown out 20-2 by the Braves (38-41). The 18-run differential marks the most runs New York has ever given up to the Braves, as well as the third-worst margin of loss in franchise history.
The club struggled immensely overall. The offense notched just four hits on the evening and the pitching staff allowed 20 runs on 20 hits – including four homers, with six walks to match just six strikeouts recorded.
Kevin Pillar kicked the night off on a high-note and knocked a double on the first pitch he saw from Atlanta starter, Max Fried. Pete Alonso clobbered a two-run moonshot to give the Mets a first inning 2-0 lead.
David Peterson (2-6) gave those two runs right back in the home half of frame, and the Mets would never hold a lead again. He allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits through three innings in taking the loss Wednesday evening. He left the game with the trainer in the fourth inning with right-side soreness. Sean Reid-Foley took over in relief.
The Braves broke the game open with seven runs scored in the fourth. Reid-Foley recorded just one out, allowed five runs on five hits with a walk.
Thomas Szapucki made his major league debut in less than ideal circumstances – He allowed six runs on seven hits, walked three, and struck out four. And with the game already out of reach, the Mets elected to throw outfielder Albert Almora Jr. to close it out and save the relief staff. He allowed three runs on one hit. Ozzie Albies was the Braves hitter who did the most damage, as he went 5-for-6 with two home runs and a career-high seven RBI. It was a night to forget for the Mets.
New York’s lead in the NL East has dwindled to just two games as they’ve lost 10 of their last 16. The team needs to pick up the momentum if they’re looking to compete against the surging Nationals, who topped the second-place Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 15-6 on Wednesday evening.
New York still has a chance to take the series in Atlanta with ace Jacob deGrom (7-2, 0.69) on the mound Thursday, and he’ll be facing off with Ian Anderson (5-4, 3.42 ERA). The game is slated to start at 7:20 PM ET, and fans can catch the action on SNY or CBS 880AM.
