Home runs by Acuña, Albies and Olson in the 3rd lead Morton, Braves to 4-2 victory over the Mets

NEW YORK (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a titanic home run, just before Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson also entered deep in the third inning, and the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 4 -2 Friday evening.

Charlie Morton (3-0) pitched seven splendid innings as the teams played under raindrops in a game delayed 55 minutes early. Atlanta earned its third straight victory since its sweep at Dodger Stadium last weekend, with two days off in between.

“We’re not even close to being at full capacity yet,” manager Brian Snitker said.

Francisco Lindor homered on Morton’s first pitch in the seventh, one of only three hits for the 40-year-old right-hander.

“He amazes me every time he goes,” Snitker said.

Morton struck out seven and walked one in his fourth straight quality start, surpassing 2,000 innings in the majors.

“It’s a lot,” Morton said. “It’s something to be proud of, and something about experiencing this group here is pretty special.”

AJ Minter struck out all three batters in the eighth. Raisel Iglesias got three outs for his 10th save in 12 chances this season and the 200th of his career.

Iglesias gave up Pete Alonso’s two-out RBI single before JD Martinez hit a long drive that drew a foul down the left field line. Martinez then flew out to end it.

After the match, Iglesias had the souvenir ball from his big save in his locker and said he was happy to give his wife the gift for her birthday.

“I feel very satisfied,” the reliever said through a translator. “It was definitely a goal that I had set for myself before and I’m just really happy that I was able to accomplish it.”

After a horrible outing, Mets starter Jose Quintana (1-4) allowed four runs and six hits in five innings.

The veteran southpaw was hammered for eight runs and 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings in Tampa Bay a week earlier.

“It’s frustrating because a lot of things felt good and (I was) throwing the game well against a pretty good lineup,” Quintana said. “After two withdrawals, everything changed. Big damage. So it’s pretty bad.

Just after a double play that left the bases empty in the third, Acuña drove a full sinker 461 feet to the back of the black batter’s eye slope to immediate center, well beyond the home apple run at Citi Field.

For the reigning NL MVP, it was just his third home run this season after tying a career high with 41 last year.

“It was really good, I’m not going to lie,” Acuña said through a translator. “It’s been a while since I felt that way, so it was nice to be able to get that feeling again.”

Albies followed with a high fly into the left field corner, 105 feet shorter than Acuna’s smash but still worth a point. It was Albies’ first homer since March 31 — he missed time with a broken toe — and the second time the Braves have hit back-to-back homers this year.

Quintana then walked Austin Riley before a collapsed Olson sent a two-run shot to right center for his fourth homer of the season and first since April 7 against Arizona. The 26-game drought was the longest of his career.

Olson led the majors with 54 home runs and 139 RBIs last season.

TRAINERS ROOM

Braves: RHP Pierce Johnson (elbow inflammation) was about to throw off a mound. “You just have to smell and touch a little,” Snitker said. “Everything is fine with him.”

Mets: LHP Brooks Raley (elbow) is scheduled to see Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday. Meister is an elbow expert and the head team physician for the Texas Rangers. When asked if Raley might miss the rest of the season, manager Carlos Mendoza said, “It’s too early to tell.” … RHP Drew Smith (sore shoulder) will pitch another inning Saturday on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse. He felt good physically after pitching an inning Wednesday for Syracuse. Smith is eligible to come off the injured list. … RHP Tylor Megill (shoulder strain) will undergo another rehab Sunday for Syracuse. The goal is five innings and 75 to 80 pitches. … RHP Kodai Senga (right shoulder capsule strain) threw a bullpen. “It’s more about mechanics,” Mendoza said. “I’m trying to get him back to feeling like himself.”

FOLLOWING

Braves: LHP Max Fried (2-1, 4.23 ERA) starts the middle game of the series Saturday. Fried is 8-5 with a 2.65 ERA against the Mets.

Mets: Rookie RHP Christian Scott (0-0, ERA) makes his first start at Citi Field. The team’s best pitcher is coming off an impressive major league debut last weekend at Tampa Bay, where he allowed one run with six strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb