Braves defeat Mets/ Atlanta beats Mets/ Mets lose to Braves/ Newslooks/ ATLANTA/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Michael Harris II’s three hits, including a home run and RBI double, helped the Braves secure a 5-1 victory over the Mets in the opener of a critical three-game series. Rookie pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach shut down New York with seven strong innings, boosting Atlanta’s playoff chances. With the win, the Braves moved within half a game of the final National League wild card spot.
Harris and Schwellenbach Power Braves to 5-1 Win: Quick Looks
- Michael Harris II hit a home run and an RBI double, finishing a triple shy of the cycle.
- Rookie pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach held the Mets to one run on three hits over seven innings.
- Marcell Ozuna added his 39th home run as the Braves closed in on a playoff spot.
- The Braves are now half a game behind Arizona for the final NL wild card berth.
- Harris has 13 hits in his last five games and made a diving catch in center field.
- Mets’ Luis Severino struggled, giving up four runs in four innings, while Mark Vientos hit a solo home run.
- Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Helene could impact the remainder of the series.
- Mets’ Francisco Lindor missed his eighth straight game but could return Wednesday.
Harris, Schwellenbach Lead Braves to Win Over Mets
Deep Look:
Michael Harris II and rookie Spencer Schwellenbach delivered standout performances as the Atlanta Braves secured a pivotal 5-1 victory over the New York Mets in the opener of a crucial three-game series on Tuesday night. Harris, who has been on a hot streak, went 3-for-4 with a home run and an RBI double, coming just a triple shy of the cycle. Schwellenbach, meanwhile, shut down the Mets’ offense, allowing only one run on three hits over seven innings.
The Braves entered the series trailing the Mets in the National League wild card race, but Tuesday’s win tightened the playoff picture. With the victory, Atlanta moved within half a game of the final wild card spot, held by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Braves capitalized on the Diamondbacks’ 11-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants, inching closer to a postseason berth as the regular season winds down.
“Felt good to come out swinging and get some runs early,” Harris said after the game. “Pitching was phenomenal from Schwellenbach. We just have to come out and do the same thing the next two days.”
Harris has been on fire lately, collecting 13 hits in his last five games, and his hot bat set the tone for the Braves’ offense. In the third inning, Harris doubled to bring home Orlando Arcia and later scored on an Ozzie Albies single. Ramón Laureano followed with an RBI single, pushing Atlanta’s lead to 3-0. Harris then extended the advantage with a 422-foot solo homer to left field in the fourth inning, his 22nd of the season. Marcell Ozuna added another insurance run in the fifth with a solo shot, marking his 39th home run of the year.
“Good timing,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said of Harris’ performance. “It is the right time of year to get hot.”
On the mound, Schwellenbach (8-7) was dominant, continuing his success against the Mets. In two starts against New York this season, the rookie has allowed just one run over 14 innings, striking out 15. Schwellenbach kept the Mets’ lineup off balance throughout the night, allowing only a solo home run to Mark Vientos in the seventh inning. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations proved crucial as the Braves fight to stay in the postseason hunt.
“The juices were definitely flowing,” Schwellenbach said. “This is basically the playoffs for us. We need wins.”
For the Mets, Luis Severino (11-7) struggled to contain Atlanta’s offense, surrendering four runs on seven hits in just four innings. After a successful 6-1 homestand, New York’s bats were quiet on Tuesday, managing only three hits, though Vientos provided a spark with his 26th home run of the season. Jose Iglesias extended his hitting streak to 17 games, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Braves’ dominant performance.
“We still have a chance to win a series here,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We didn’t play well. We missed a couple of plays. We’ve got to turn the page.”
Luisangel Acuña, playing his first major league game in front of his older brother Ronald Acuña Jr., had a tough night at the plate. The younger Acuña was robbed of a hit by a diving catch from Harris, adding another highlight to the Braves outfielder’s stellar night. Meanwhile, Ronald Acuña Jr., the reigning NL MVP, watched from the dugout, sidelined for the season with a knee injury. The Acuña brothers shared a moment before the game, exchanging jerseys in a heartfelt gesture.
As both teams continue to battle for playoff positioning, the weather may throw a wrench into the remainder of the series. Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Helene are expected to affect the Atlanta area on Wednesday and Thursday, potentially causing delays or postponements. If games are canceled, a makeup date next Monday may be required, which would add to the already tight schedules as both teams fight for their postseason lives.
Trainer’s Room: The Mets were without star shortstop Francisco Lindor for the eighth consecutive game due to a sore back. Lindor, who has been recovering, was available as a pinch hitter and could return to the lineup on Wednesday. Braves third baseman Austin Riley received disappointing news after a CT scan revealed his broken right hand has not healed sufficiently. Riley, who was hit by a pitch on August 18, is now ruled out for the rest of the season, even if the Braves make the playoffs.
Up Next: Weather permitting, Mets left-hander David Peterson (9-3, 3.08 ERA) will take the mound against Braves ace Chris Sale (18-3, 2.38 ERA) in the middle game of the series on Wednesday night.
