Sean Manaea turned in his strongest outing in months, but a lack of run support doomed the New York Mets in a 3-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field. The defeat dropped New York to 31-39, while Atlanta improved to 46-24.
Manaea gave the Mets every chance to win, completing six innings for the first time since September 2024. The left-hander allowed two runs on four hits, struck out six and did not issue a walk while showing improved command throughout his 84-pitch effort.
Atlanta scratched out an early lead in the second when Eli White delivered a two-out RBI double. White struck again in the fourth, launching a solo homer to left field to make it 2-0.
The Mets struggled to generate offense against Braves starter Martin Perez, who limited New York to one run over 5.1 innings. Bo Bichette stayed hot with a pair of hits, including a sixth-inning double that set up the Mets’ lone run. Mark Vientos followed with a two-out RBI single to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Carson Benge provided a pair of standout defensive plays in center field, robbing Ozzie Albies of extra bases with a leaping catch at the wall before making a diving grab on a blooper from Austin Riley an inning later.
Austin Warren kept the Mets within striking distance until Michael Harris II connected for a solo homer in the eighth to extend Atlanta’s lead. Juan Soto doubled to begin the ninth and represented the tying run, but Braves closer Raisel Iglesias closed out the victory.
The series finale is scheduled for Sunday at 1:40 p.m. at Citi Field. Freddy Peralta (4.04 ERA) is expected to start for New York against Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder (3.66 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].