The New York Mets couldn’t capitalize on a strong debut from Frankie Montas, letting a 3-0 lead slip away in a 7-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night at Citi Field.
The defeat marked New York’s third straight and 10th in its last 11 games, dropping them to 46-34 on the season.
Montas, making his first start of 2025 after recovering from a lat strain, was dominant across five shutout innings. The right-hander flashed mid-to-upper 90s velocity, holding Atlanta to just three hits and three walks while striking out five. He exited with the Mets in control, but the bullpen imploded soon after.
The Mets’ offense, quiet through the first three frames, struck in the fourth. Juan Soto drew a walk and stole second, then scored on a Jeff McNeil sacrifice fly. Brett Baty followed with a two-run single, giving New York a 3-0 cushion.
That lead vanished in the sixth. Huascar Brazoban walked the bases loaded and gave up a sac fly before Jose Castillo entered and surrendered an infield RBI single and a hit-by-pitch to tie the game. Reed Garrett nearly escaped the jam, but Matt Olson ripped a two-run single to give Atlanta the lead.
Richard Lovelady worked a clean seventh in his Mets debut but was tagged for two more runs in the eighth, extending the Braves’ advantage.
New York tried to rally in the ninth with hits from McNeil, Jared Young, and an RBI double by Ronny Mauricio, but Francisco Lindor grounded out as the tying run to end the game.
Clay Holmes takes the ball Wednesday night as the Mets try to avoid a fourth straight series loss. The first pitch is set for 7:10 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
