Mets Walkoff Braves in Series Finale to Prevent Atlanta Sweep

The Atlanta Braves lost a close battle to the New York Mets, 4-3, to miss out on a road series sweep at Citi Field.

Here’s what you need to know about the competition.

Atlanta’s designated hitter went 2-for-3 in this one, going up the middle twice and driving in a runner from 2nd base.

The two RBIs brought Ozuna’s total to 40, seven more than the next closest batter, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who had his 33 in five more games than Ozuna . Most notably, Ozuna’s 40 RBIs in 37 games are the fastest Braves player to reach 40 RBIs in a season since Henry Aaron in 1970, who did it in 34 games.

Atlanta’s third baseman was replaced by newly acquired infielder Zack Short as the Braves took the field for the bottom of the 4th inning. He approached cautiously after a swing to end his at-bat in the 2nd inning, clinging to his side. The team announced it was for “precautionary reasons” due to “left side tightness” – manager Brian Snitker later confirmed to ESPN’s Buster Olney that Riley had felt brief discomfort during from batting practice that day and wanted to be careful, so the choice was made to remove him from the game.

Given the continued absence of wide receiver Sean Murphy, who left the team’s opener with an oblique injury, the team’s caution is warranted. Notably, Murphy’s reaction was much more serious to his injury: he immediately dropped the bat, grabbing his side, while the team announced that he had been scratched with an oblique injury. Riley’s lack of urgency on the issue and the team’s more neutral statement, attributing “tightness” instead of injury, hopefully suggests there isn’t much reason to worry about it at the moment. We’ll no doubt get more from the team after the game when Sniker speaks to the media.

On the bright side, Short walked twice and scored twice in his first action in a Braves uniform. He was put on second by Matt Olson the first time, scoring from second on Ozuna’s ground ball up the middle. He then took matters into his own hands for the second time, stealing second before scoring on — again — an Ozuna ground ball up the middle.

IF Riley is out for multiple days or has to go on the injured list, it’s unclear if the team would use Short or utilityman Luke Williams in Riley’s place. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

UPDATE: Riley said after the game that he’ll need to see how he feels in the morning, but it doesn’t seem like he’s that worried.

The series opener against the Seattle Mariners two weeks ago saw Atlanta’s AJ Minter, to closer Raisel Iglesias (who had pitched each of the previous two days), give up a 9th inning home run.

The series finale against the New York Mets tonight saw Atlanta’s AJ Minter, to closer Raisel Iglesias (who had pitched each of the previous two days), give up a 9th inning home run.

We have already spoken on why Atlanta was right not to use Iglesias for a third straight game, and that’s true, but it’s still frustrating that the end of the game played out the exact same way in two straight situations.

The Atlanta resident sinker struggled in his last outing, allowing seven runs to the Los Angeles Dodgers in just 3.1 innings.

He was much steadier in this one, allowing just two runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings without walking anyone and striking out six. He gave up seven hard-hit balls, but threw more than well enough for Atlanta to win. He won’t make any decisions in this one, but his ERA is back down a bit to 4.79 after tonight.

The Braves have a late night and return home tonight to begin a series tomorrow with the second-place Chicago Cubs. Former Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, who signed with the Cubs in free agency after the 2022 season, is expected to travel with the team but will not play in the game – he was placed on injured reserve at the end of last week with a right knee. sprain.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. ET with Reynaldo López on the mound for Atlanta, facing LHP Shota Imanaga.