Bo Bichette delivered his biggest performance of the season, launching two home runs and driving in a career-high six runs as the New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves, 7-5, at Citi Field on Friday night. The victory improved New York to 31-38, while Atlanta fell to 45-24 in the first meeting between the division rivals this season.
Bichette wasted little time making an impact. After Juan Soto followed his first-inning solo homer with one of his own, Bichette broke the game open in the second inning with a grand slam that barely cleared the wall in right field. He added a sacrifice fly in the fourth and finished 2-for-3 with six RBI.
Soto continued his recent surge, going 2-for-3 with a homer, an intentional walk and a run scored. Luis Torrens added two hits, while MJ Melendez reached twice and scored a run as the Mets built a 7-2 lead through four innings.
Nolan McLean battled through a difficult outing after a 76-minute rain delay. The rookie allowed two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out six across four innings. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the second and kept Atlanta from doing further damage before turning the game over to the bullpen.
The Braves chipped away late, highlighted by a Matt Olson homer and RBI hits in the eighth inning, but New York’s bullpen held on. Huascar Brazobán recorded three key strikeouts, and Devin Williams secured a four-out save by retiring Michael Harris II and Olson to end the game.
The series continues Saturday at Citi Field with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 p.m. Sean Manaea is expected to start for New York against Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (3.02 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].