The New York Mets (54-33) opened a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves (52-36) on Monday night at Truist Park and picked up a 4-1 victory.
Max Scherzer made his second start since coming off the injured list and shined again. The right-hander tossed seven innings of one-run ball while allowing just three hits and striking out nine.
The Mets opened the scoring in the top of the third inning as they plated two of their four runs to take an early 2-0 lead. Pete Alonso grounded one through the left side for an RBI double to put New York on the board. A couple of batters later, Luis Guillorme picked up an RBI with a groundout to second.
Atlanta scored their lone run of the game in the bottom of the seventh as Austin Riley crushed his 24th home run of the season over the left-field wall to make it a 2-1 game.
New York responded with a run in the top of the eighth as Guillorme launched his second home run of the season over the right-field wall.
Alonso collected his second RBI of the night and capped off the scoring in the top of the ninth with a groundout to third.
Francisco Lindor had a nice night at the plate as he had three of the team’s nine hits.
Adam Ottavino and Edwin Díaz each tossed a scoreless inning out of the bullpen to secure the win. Díaz struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth and recorded his 19th save of the season.
The Mets will send left-hander David Peterson to the mound on Tuesday night for the middle game of the series. Spencer Strider will get the ball for the Braves. The first pitch is slated for 7:20 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].