Homer-Happy Braves Defeat Mets 9-2 As Teams Split Series

With the July 30 deadline quickly approaching, the New York Mets (55-50) hoped to regain some momentum after Saturday’s loss to the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, they were unable to do so as New York lost their second-straight game and split the series with the Braves. The Mets were defeated 9-2 at Citi Field on Sunday in the series finale.

Entering Sunday’s game, David Peterson owned one of the largest discrepancies in actual and expected ERA in the major leagues. Peterson’s 5.56 xERA was over two points higher than his 3.14 ERA; ranking in the league’s fifth percentile. The regression was bound to come at some point, and it did so in the fourth inning on Sunday.

Matt Olson committed to biggest blow, crushing a three-run shot. This coming after a lead-off walk followed by a single. When it was all said and done Peterson allowed four runs in the inning. It was all Peterson allowed, however, his day was still shortened, as has been the case in most of his starts this season. In total, Peterson tossed 88 pitches across the five innings, allowing four hits and three walks to go along with seven strikeouts. His season ERA now sits at 3.52.

Elsewhere on the mound, one of the newest Mets, Ryne Stanek, had a subpar debut. He allowed two home runs in the seventh inning across three hits. Alex Young and Adam Ottavino turned in scoreless outings. Jake Diekman was another victim of a Braves long ball, specifically, a two-run shot during his eighth inning of work.

Offensively, the Mets squandered several opportunities. Specifically, the team was able to score despite posting a double in four-straight innings. Three of those frames included a lead-off double. Despite only having one less hit than the Braves, the Mets only mustered two runs. These two came via a Pete Alonso two-run home run in the eighth inning which ended a 20-inning scoreless stretch.

With the loss, the Mets drop to five games over .500. If the Arizona Diamondbacks defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates this evening, the Mets will find themselves a half game out of the final wild card spot.

Player of the Game: Tyrone Taylor

One of the few offensive bright spots for the Mets was Tyrone Taylor. Taylor lined two doubles down the line and also tallied a walk. He now has six hits over his last five games.

Statistic of the Game: Homer-Happy Braves

After struggling in the first two games of the series, the Braves’ offense exploded for seven home runs in two games. The Mets’ pitchers did a great job in the first two games of the series, but the floodgates open in the final two games, resulting in the split.

On Deck

Next up, the Mets welcome in the Minnesota Twins to Citi Field beginning on Monday. The probable pitching matchup for the first game is Simeon Woods Richardson versus Jose Quintana. The Twins currently reside in an American League playoff spot.

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