Braves beat Mets in 10 innings; Final Score 8-9

The New York Mets faced the Atlanta Braves to close out a three game series. The Mets won the first two games of the series and had the opportunity to get the sweep. The Mets were trying to get over .500 for the first time since April 6th when they were 3-2. The Braves jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on a Chipper Jones groundout. The Mets fought their way back multiple times. In the third inning they took the lead on a Daniel Murphy sacrifice –fly which scored Justin Turner. Then in the fifth inning the Mets were trailing down by four runs, They would explode with a four run fifth inning. Jason Bay singled to right which scored Justin Turner. Then after Ronny Paulino struck out Scott Hairston came up with two runners on and he hit a three-run homer to left field to tie the game. The Braves would make costly mistakes late in the game to give the Mets an 8-6 lead.

R.A. Dickey wasn’t strong at all for the Mets and he struggled his way through four innings. Dickey allowed six runs (four earned) on six hits. He also walked three batters and gave up a three run homer to Chipper Jones. Dickey couldn't  find the strike zone and through those four innings Dickey through 90 pitches. He was all over the place and couldn’t command any of his pitches.

Mike Minor started for the Braves and he was given plenty of run support on separate occasions. Minor went 4.1 innings allowing five runs on seven hits. He really struggled through his outing tonight. He looked rattled at times and the Mets did an excellent job in fighting back against a young pitcher.

Francisco Rodriguez came in for his 20th save of the season, but he gave up a two-run homerun to the pinch hitter Brooks Conrad. This was the first blown save for Rodriguez since April 2nd against the Marlins.

The pitching on both sides really struggled through this one. The offense on both sides came up very strong in this game.

The Braves won on a balk by D.J. Carrasco.

Game Notes:

• Scott Hairston went 3 of 4 with a homer and three RBI’s. He finally had an nice game and helped the team in a big way.
• Jose Reyes went 3 of 6 with his 12th triple and two singles. Reyes now has 101 hits in 69 games this season. He continues to prove why the Mets need to keep him.
• Four Met relievers combined for four shutout innings before K-Rod blew the save.