Matz gets Win for the Mets

Steven Matz #32 of the New York Mets throws a second inning pitch against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on April 23, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.

(April 23, 2016 - Source: Scott Cunningham/Getty Images North America)

24-year old SP Steven Matz pitched 6.1 fine innings as the New York Mets win at the Atlanta Braves 8-2.

It was Matz’ second consecutive quality start after a forgettable outing in his season debut against the Florida Marlins. In 6.1 innings he allowed 9 hits and struck out 8. He now has a 5.40 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP on the season and was credited with the win.

The Mets were off to a good start in this game between two longstanding NL East rivals. RF Curtis Granderson reached first base on a leadoff single in the first inning. He advanced to third base after a one-out single from LF Michael Conforto. A sacrifice fly ball from 1B Lucas Duda was deep enough for Granderson to run home for an early 1-0 lead. Michael Conforto scored another run for the Mets on a fielding error by 1B Freddie Freeman.

The Braves cut the lead to one run in the third inning. RF Nick Markakis was hit by a pitch and reached second base on a one-out single by 2B Daniel Castro. Freddie Freeman followed with an RBI double as Markakis crossed home plate for Atlanta’s first run.

C Travis d’Arnaud’s hit in the fourth inning was New York’s fourth consecutive leadoff single of the game. With two outs SP Jhoulys Chacin issued a walk to Granderson and 3B David Wright’s double drove in two runs for a 4-1 lead.

Chacin pitched 5.2 innings for the Braves, surrendering 7 hits, 2 walks and 3 earned runs. After three starts he has a 3.18 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.

The New York Mets scored again in the top of the seventh inning. David Wright doubled and Michael Conforto was hit by a pitch. RP Chris Wuthrow managed to strike out 2B Neil Walker but SS Asdrubal Cabrera’s RBI single put the Mets 5-1 up.

CF Drew Stubbs hit a leadoff single for the Braves in the bottom of the seventh inning. Stubbs also managed to steal second base with one out. Markakis’ following single brought Stubbs home for Atlanta’s second score of the game.

Back-to-back homers from Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera gave the Mets a 7-2 lead in the ninth inning. Travis d’Arnaud followed with a single and CF Juan Lagares’ triple drove in New York’s eighth and final run.

Cabrera’s home run in the ninth inning was his first long ball of the season. He went 2-for-5 and is now batting .322 with 5 runs, 1 HR and 5 RBI this season.

The New York Mets improved to 9-7 with 3.5 games behind the Washington Nationals. The Atlanta Braves are at the bottom of the NL East with a 4-13 record.