Category: Atlanta Braves
Opening Day Recap: Mets 1 – Braves 0
The New York Mets kept the tradition of Opening Day success alive today with a 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the first of many games inside an empty stadium. Continue reading
Mets Killers: 2020 Edition
With the start of the 2020 Major League Baseball season postponed until mid-to-late May at the earliest, I thought it’d be an interesting time to take a dive into some of the active Met killers. This list includes some active players that the Mets may be facing in the batter’s box at some point this season, with their career numbers against the Mets. While no regular season schedule is set in stone yet, here are some of the Mets top enemies that will be digging in to the batter’s box based on the regular season schedule that is currently out. Continue reading
Mets fall to Braves for second straight night in a row
The New York Mets (80-71) fell to the Atlanta Braves (60-91) for the second night in a row by the final score of 5-4. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…
http://m.mlb.com/gameday/braves-vs-mets/2016/09/20/449117?#game=449117,game_state=final,game_tab=box
Game Notes:
- Robert Gsellman was solid despite picking up tonight’s loss going 5.1 innings and giving up 2 runs on 5 hits, while walking 2 and striking out 6.
- Relievers Fernando Salas and Jerry Blevins combined to allow 3 runs on 4 hits in 1.1 innings of work.
- Asdrubal Cabrera was 3-3 with a double, 2 walks, a run scored and an RBI single.
- Curtis Granderson was 1-4 with an RBI double.
- T.J. Rivera was 1-3 with a sacrifice fly.
- Eric Campbell was 1-1 with a pinch-hit RBI single.
Well after the last two days we can assume nothing is going to be easy with the Mets, and we should brace ourselves for a race down to the wire. The Mets have far and away the easiest schedule of the three teams battling for the NL Wild Card, and the Braves have taken it to the Mets the last two nights. It is very possible there is a three-way tie after tonight’s play with the Mets loss tonight, and victories by both the Cardinals and Giants. It is certainly frustrating to see the Mets not carrying the momentum built from over the weekend into this week’s series against the Braves. The Braves have historically given the Mets fits and put a damper on their postseason dreams in the past which makes it all the more frustrating. The Mets will have a chance tomorrow to salvage a game from the series tomorrow evening against the Braves, but I’m sure many Mets fans at this point may be internally freaking out about the way the team has looked the past two nights.
I am currently not freaking out about the Mets chances just yet, but I am very concerned with the play of Jay Bruce. Bruce went 0-3 on the evening before Terry Collins pinch-hit for the former Reds slugger with Eric Campbell (yes you read that correctly), in the middle of the Mets three-run inning in the bottom of the eighth. Bruce also had the miscommunication in the top of the sixth in the outfield with Curtis Granderson which allowed the Braves to plate their first run of the game. I’m not sure where the Mets go from here with Bruce as he’s clearly been struggling on the field for the Mets, and they certainly haven’t gotten nothing close to the return on investment they were expecting when they made the trade. Collins has stressed that if you hit you will play, as Michael Conforto was in the lineup over Bruce both on Sunday and Monday. It will be interesting to see if Bruce, who has hit .176 since joining the Mets, will be in tomorrow’s lineup for the Mets or if they go in another direction yet again.
The Mets will need to regroup and put together another winning streak if they want a chance to reach the postseason, as they have suffered back-to-back critical losses. I will not doubt this team yet as they have overcome multiple hurdles this season but time is of the essence and victories are the only thing that will matter over this final week and a half of the season.
- The Mets will look to avoid the sweep against the Braves tomorrow evening with a 7:10 pm et. scheduled first pitch. You can catch tomorrow night’s game on SNY.
- Bartolo Colon (14-7, 3.14 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Mets and face Braves right-hander Ryan Weber (0-1, 6.00 ERA).
Lineups: Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets 7:10 pm et.
Atlanta Braves (59-91):
1. Ender Inciarte (L) CF
2. Adonis Garcia (R) 3B
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Matt Kemp (R) LF
5. Nick Markakis (L) RF
6. Tyler Flowers (R) C
7. Jace Peterson (L) 2B
8. Dansby Swanson (R) SS
9. Julio Teheran (R) P
SP: Julio Teheran RHP (5-10, 3.18 ERA)
New York Mets (80-70):
1. Jose Reyes (S) 3B
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) LF
4. Curtis Granderson (L) CF
5. T.J. Rivera (R) 2B
6. Jay Bruce (L) RF
7. James Loney (L) 1B
8. Travis d’Arnaud (R) C
9. Robert Gsellman (R) P
SP: Robert Gsellman RHP (2-1, 3.08 ERA)
Tonight’s game can be seen on SNY.
Lineups: Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets 7:10 pm et.
Atlanta Braves (58-91):
1. Ender Inciarte (L) CF
2. Adonis Garcia (R) 3B
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Matt Kemp (R) LF
5. Nick Markakis (L) RF
6. Tyler Flowers (R) C
7. Jace Peterson (L) 2B
8. Dansby Swanson (R) SS
9. Aaron Blair (R) P
SP: Aaron Blair RHP (0-6, 8.23 ERA)
New York Mets (80-69):
1. Jose Reyes (S) 3B
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) LF
4. Curtis Granderson (L) CF
5. T.J. Rivera (R) 2B
6. Michael Conforto (L) RF
7. James Loney (L) 1B
8. Rene Rivera (R) C
9. Noah Syndergaard (L) P
SP: Noah Syndergaard RHP (13-8, 2.43 ERA)
Tonight’s game can be seen on WPIX.
Mets Fend Off Bad Turner Field Vibes In Game 1.
The New York Mets last night rallied from four runs down to defeat the Atlanta Braves 6-4, in a game that was almost reminiscent of the old Turner Field days. The Braves gave it to the Mets early with a Matt Kemp home run in the bottom of the second. They followed that act up in the bottom of the 5th with RBI singles by Adonis Garcia and Nick Markakis to give them a comfortable lead of 4-0. Continue reading
Lineups: Mets vs. Braves 7:35 pm et.
New York Mets (74-66):
1. Jose Reyes (S) 3B
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) LF
4. Curtis Granderson (L) CF
5. Wilmer Flores (R) 2B
6. Jay Bruce (L) RF
7. James Loney (L) 1B
8. Travis d’Arnaud (R) C
9. Robert Gsellman (R) P
SP: Robert Gsellman RHP (2-1, 2.87 ERA)
Atlanta Braves (54-86):
1. Ender Inciarte (L) CF
2. Adonis Garcia (R) 3B
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Matt Kemp (R) LF
5. Nick Markakis (L) RF
6. Tyler Flowers (R) C
7. Jace Peterson (L) 2B
8. Dansby Swanson (R) SS
9. Julio Teheran (R) P
SP: Julio Teheran RHP (5-9, 3.01 ERA)
Tonight’s game can be seen on SNY.
Mets acquire Kelly Johnson
The New York Mets acquired utility player Kelly Johnson from the Atlanta Braves and cash considerations in exchange for right-handed pitcher Akeel Morris.
With the Mets offense struggling and numerous injuries depleting the lineup, GM Sandy Alderson felt the need to make a move to strengthen the 25-man roster. Johnson had been previously acquired last July along with Juan Uribe from the Atlanta Braves, and both players played a role in helping the Mets reach last year’s World Series.
Johnson isn’t having his best statistical season however, as he is only hitting .215 with one home run and ten RBI’s in 49 games. You can only hope that a change of scenery will help the 34-year old Johnson get back on track. Johnson can play a number of different positions for the Mets and his versatility will be welcomed all over the diamond. Johnson is currently playing on a one-year $2 million deal he signed with the Braves in the offseason.
The 23-year old right-handed pitcher Akeel Morris, was recently ranked as the 16th best prospect in the Mets system by MLB.com. While Morris has had solid numbers over his six previous minor league seasons, he has struggled this season at Double-A posting a 4.62 ERA in 22 appearances. Morris has predominately been a reliever in the Mets system and one would think he would continue that trek in the Braves system.
Final Recap: Mets 8 – Braves 0
The New York Mets (17-9) defeated the Atlanta Braves (7-20) this afternoon at a cold and wet Citi Field by the final score of 8-0. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…
Game Notes:
- Steven Matz was in complete command this afternoon picking up his 4th win of the season. Matz pitched 7.2 scoreless innings while only allowing 2 hits. Matz walked none and struck out 8.
- Rene Rivera was 1-4 slugging his first home run as a Met. It was a 2-run shot in the bottom of the 2nd.
- Asdrubal Cabrera was 1-4 with a 2-run homer.
- Lucas Duda had a monster day going 2-4 with 2 HR’s. Duda hit a 2-run bomb in the bottom of the 3rd and a solo HR in the bottom of the 5th.
- Wilmer Flores was 2-3 with an RBI double.
After yesterday’s outing where the Mets were shutout and only mustered one hit, the offense came back alive today in a big way. The Mets slugged four home runs on the afternoon, with recent addition Rene Rivera joining the Mets recent home-run binge in the bottom of the second inning to start the scoring. The Mets offense, with the exception of last night, has become a force in the National League and they have forty home runs to show for it in their first twenty six games thus far, which is a club record. This offense is producing at a historic pace and one can only imagine how much more dangerous this lineup will be when it warms up in the summer and the ball starts flying.
Steven Matz continued his dominant run of starts since his 7-run shelling back in early April, as he completely dominated the Braves from start to finish today. The game looks like it has completely slowed down for Matz and he seems to just be improving with every start he makes this season. In Matz’s last four starts he is 4-0 with a 0.67 ERA. Those numbers indicate the ace potential Matz possesses, and there is no doubt he will be in the running to be named NL Rookie of the Year at the end of the season at this current pace.
The Mets completed a successful homestand where they went 7-2, and now have won six straight series for the first time since 2006. The Mets also hit as many home runs in this series against the Braves (7) than the Braves have hit all season (6), which just shows where the Braves are at in the middle of their rebuilding process. No apologies for taking care of business however as the Mets now are set to embark on their longest road trip of the season. The Mets will play eleven games in three west-coast cities with no off-days in-between. The Mets will play the Padres, Dodgers, and Rockies in that order, who are all beating up on each other in the crowded NL West. The Mets are 8-3 on the road this season and will look to build on that road success over the next week and a half.
- The Mets open up their four game series against the San Diego Padres tomorrow evening with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 pm et. Tomorrow evening’s game can be seen on SNY and you may want to catch a nap before first pitch.
- Jacob deGrom (3-0, 1.02 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Mets opposing Padres right-hander Colin Rea (2-1, 4.61 ERA).
Lineups & Game Notes: Braves vs. Mets 1:10 pm et.
Atlanta Braves (7-19):
1. Mallex Smith (L) CF
2. Adonis Garcia (R) 3B
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Jeff Francoeur (R) LF
5. Tyler Flowers (R) C
6. Chase d’Arnaud (R) RF
7. Daniel Castro (R) 2B
8. Erick Aybar (S) SS
9. Jhoulys Chacin (R) P
SP: Jhoulys Chacin RHP (1-1, 3.27 ERA)
New York Mets (16-9):
1. Curtis Granderson (L) RF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Michael Conforto (L) LF
4. Yoenis Cespedes (R) CF
5. Lucas Duda (L) 1B
6. Neil Walker (S) 2B
7. Wilmer Flores (R) 3B
8. Rene Rivera (R) C
9. Steven Matz (R) P
SP: Steven Matz LHP (3-1, 3.86 ERA)
Today’s game can be seen on SNY.
Game Notes:
VS. ATLANTA: The Mets are 4-1 vs. Atlanta this year and 9-3 vs. the Braves in their last 12 match-ups dating to September 10, 2015, including 2-3 at Citi Field.
SERIES STREAKING METS: New York has won five straight series (Giants, Reds, Braves, Phillies and Indians)…The last time New York won six straight series was August 18-September 6, 2006…The Mets are 1-1 in rubber games this year, including 0-1 at home.
MEET THE MATZ: Steven Matz is 7-1 in his first 10 regular season starts and the Mets are 8-2…Matz’s seven wins are the most by any pitcher through their first 10 starts in club history…Has won a career-high three straight decisions …Over his last three starts, Matz has posted a 0.93 ERA (two earned runs/19.1 innings) while going 3-0…He has issued five walks and struck 21 during that stretch.
THROUGH 25 GAMES: The Met hit 36 home runs in their first 25 games of the year, one shy of their highest total in the first 25 games…New York had 37 home runs after 25 contests in 1988.
PITCHERS DELIGHT: The Mets rank fourth in the majors with a 2.84 team ERA…New York is third in the majors with 230 strike- outs and has allowed the fewest homers (12)…New York starters have posted a 2.87 ERA, the third-best mark in the majors and the bullpen has a 2.79 ERA, the eighth-best in the majors.
YO: Yoenis Cespedes has three homers and 11 RBI over his last six games and five home runs and 16 RBI over his last nine contests…Cespedes is tied for second in the majors with 25 RBI…His eight home runs are tied for the eighth-most in the majors…Connected on his 25th home run in his 77th game with the Mets to become the quickest player to hit 25 homers in team history.
METS VS. CHACIN: Jhoulys Chacin faces New York for the second time this season and for the seventh time in his career…Dropped an 8-2 decision to the Mets on 4/23 of this season, allowing four runs, three earned, over 5.2 innings…In his career against the Mets, Chacin is 1-3 with a 3.23 ERA in six games, five starts…Last beat the Mets on 8/21/12 at Citi Field, where he is 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA (3 ER/14.0 IP) in three games, two starts…Notable Mets hitters numbers against Chacin are provided below…
- Neil Walker: .273 (3-11, 2 2B, 1 RBI)
- Curtis Granderson: .500 (2-4, 1 RBI, 2 BB)
- Wilmer Flores: .333 (1-3)
- Michael Conforto: .667 (2-3)
- Asdrubal Cabrera: .000 (0-6, 3 BB, 1 K)
Above The Mendoza 