The Mets pulled away late and rode a strong start from Clay Holmes to a 9-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night, strengthening New York’s grip on the final National League wild-card spot.
Holmes (11-6) worked 6 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and two runs as he turned in consecutive six-inning starts. He was backed by a Mets offense that got six home runs by six players? Actually, two by McNeil, a two-run shot by Alonso, and a trio of homers in the seventh plus back-to-back in the ninth from Vientos and McNeil. The highlight was a three-run homer by Jeff McNeil off Braves reliever Cal Quantrill in the third.
Quantrill (4-11) was on the mound for Atlanta after being claimed off waivers from Miami on Thursday. He endured a rough line, giving up three runs on five hits and five walks in 4 2/3 innings before exiting with cramps in his calves. Quantrill’s outing helped the Mets push across most of their damage, including Pete Alonso’s two-run homer off Dylan Lee in the seventh and back-to-back blasts by Vientos and McNeil in the ninth.
In addition to the power, New York showcased speed, setting a season high with four stolen bases, including two by Starling Marte. The Mets also turned in a crucial defensive moment when Marte tracked down a liner from Jurickson Profar in the third and threw out Nacho Alvarez Jr. at the plate with catcher Hayden Senger applying the tag on the fly.
Atlanta’s rotation also faced a historic challenge, as Quantrill became the 17th different starter used by the Braves this season — the most by any team in the league this year.
Looking ahead, David Peterson (8-5, 3.18 ERA) was scheduled to start for the Mets on Sunday against Atlanta’s Bryce Elder (5-9, 6.29).
What this means: The Mets recovered from a rough stretch to grab a decisive win and extend their wild-card lead, while the Braves continue to shuffle through a rotation unsettled by injuries and performances. The offensive outburst from McNeil and Vientos, along with timely bullpen work, gives New York momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Summary: A strong all-around performance from the Mets, led by Holmes and a multi-player homer barrage, helped them cement a key playoff position and keep momentum for the final weeks of the season. Positive takeaway: New York’s lineup showed depth with back-to-back power in the ninth and a productive day on the bases, offering a hopeful sign for their late-season push.