A.J. Ewing collected three hits, including a home run, as the New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves, 8-1, on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field. The victory helped the Mets improve to 32-39 while taking two of three games from the NL East-leading Braves, who fell to 46-25. Backed by a four-run first inning and a strong outing from Freddy Peralta, New York continued its recent surge with its 10th win in the last 16 games.
The Mets wasted little time taking control. After a failed sacrifice bunt attempt by Juan Soto resulted in a force out at third, New York responded with a rally. Jared Young delivered an RBI single before Ewing lined a run-scoring double down the left-field line. A fortunate carom off the netting support in left field allowed another run to score, and Brett Baty capped the inning with an RBI single to make it 4-1.
Peralta bounced back from a difficult start earlier in the week, allowing one run on four hits and one walk across five innings. The right-hander struck out two and worked efficiently enough to lower his ERA to 3.90 despite needing 90 pitches to complete his outing.
The Mets added breathing room in the sixth when Ewing launched a solo homer to right field. Marcus Semien followed with a home run of his own, ending Bryce Elder’s afternoon after one of his roughest starts of the season.
Ewing finished 3-for-5 with a double, homer, two runs scored and two RBI, while Bo Bichette added two hits and continued his torrid stretch at the plate.
The Mets begin a six-game road trip Monday against the Reds in Cincinnati. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. David Peterson is expected to pitch in some capacity for New York, while Chase Burns is slated to start for Cincinnati.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
