Yoenis Cespedes hit a grand slam and drove in five runs as the Mets defeated the Braves, 10-3, on Sunday in their final game at Turner Field. Flores suffered a neck contusion when he hit into catcher Pierzynski and had to leave the game.
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Matt Kemp and Nick Markakis homered for Atlanta. “I’m trying to get through today but as far as the rest of the year, I don’t know where we’re at”.
Collins and his coaches agreed to let Smoker face a righty in Garcia instead of loading the bases for a lefty – and Mets killer – Freddie Freeman, before Garcia ended the game with a single up the middle.
Atlanta made it 3-all in the sixth on Kemp’s 30th homer and 2-all in the fourth on Markakis’ 10th homer.
“We certainly have enough guys on the bench that could have run for him”, Collins said.
Rays 4, Yankees 2 • Corey Dickerson hit a two-run homer, Matt Andriese won for the first time since June and visiting Tampa Bay slowed New York’s playoff charge by stopping its seven-game winning streak. “I feel a lot of pain right now”, Flores said. “I got distracted (with upcoming decisions)”. “It nearly worked.” The Braves have split 22 extra-inning games – the most by any team in the majors.
“I tell myself they’re going to put the ball in play”, Lugo said.
The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves play a rubber game early Sunday afternoon.
The Atlanta Braves have placed catcher A.J. Pierzynski on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring. RHP Jacob deGrom (sore forearm) played catch in the outfield before batting practice but hasn’t thrown off a mound since his last start on September 1. LHP Steven Matz (shoulder tightness) threw about 65 pitches off a mound in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Collins said he didn’t pinch-run for Flores because he was focused on making sure he had his reliever ready for the bottom of inning, and a pinch hitter ready if the team got to the pitcher’s spot two batters later. He walked one and struck out five. Wisler is expected to start Tuesday against Miami.
ATLANTA -The last game the Mets ever played at Turner Field proved to be a laugher, one that allows for a nice departing gift after 20 years of horror at this stadium.
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Julio Teheran is confident he avoided an injury when he was hit by a line drive on his pitching arm. James Loney hit a solo shot in the fourth, and then the Mets really opened things up in the fifth with everyone from Alejandro de Aza to starter Seth Lugo getting in on the action. He has never faced Atlanta. Williams Perez takes the hill, and he’s 2-2 with a 5.47 ERA and 25 strikeouts this season.
