Lugo pitched seven strong innings and Yoenis Cespedes hit a grand slam as NY beat the Braves 10-3 on Sunday. The New York Mets offense continues to produce, and they’ve won five straight games when scoring more than three runs.
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It was the first loss in seven games for the Mets (75-67) and only the fifth time they have lost in their last 20 games. The Mets entered Saturday night in position of one of the two wild card spots, and after batting.195 in 48 postseason plate appearance previous year, he will look to redeem himself in 2016 if the team can get back there. He is 1-0 with a 4.26 ERA in three starts and one relief appearance against NY. He joined the rotation on August 19.
A fielding error by Braves rookie shortstop Dansby Swanson and two walks from Maurico Cabrera (3-1) loaded the bases to set up the Mets’ big eighth inning.
Braves starter John Gant gave up four hits, four walks, three runs – one earned – and struck out six in 4 2/3 innings. Perez left the game with right triceps impingement. Atlanta CF Ender Inciarte, whose 18-game hitting streak ended Friday, began a new streak Saturday with a leadoff double in the first.2.
Atlanta tied it at 2-all in the fourth on Markakis’ 10th homer, and 3-all in the sixth on Kemp’s 30th.
The Mets fell to 8-7 against the Braves this season.
Players and coaches stood along the baselines before the game as the Braves held a 13-minute ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
The 39-year-old has yet to formally announce his retirement, but the writing appears to be on the wall after playing in just 81 games this season and making multiple trips to the disabled list.
Sunday’s ceremony included a 21-gun salute, a color guard from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, flag bearers from the U.S. Army, an honor guard from the Smyrna, Georgia, police and a contingent of bagpipes and drums.
Freeman singled in the third to reach safely in his career-best 32nd straight game. It gives him six RBIs in 33 games since August 1. RHP Jacob deGrom (forearm soreness) will throw off a mound either Monday or Tuesday.
BRAVES: Catcher A.J. Pierzynski has not chose to retire, as was reported late Saturday. He was not at the ballpark Sunday, but his jersey still hung in his locker and his name plate was in place. The Mets will counter with Rafael Montero, Noah Syndergaard and Robert Gsellman.
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Braves: RHP Williams Perez (2-2) will make his 11th start. He is 1-0 with a 4.15 ERA in two career starts against Miami.
