Mets Secure Comeback Victory Over Braves
New York’s club erupted for three runs in the ninth inning, then held on through a tense extra‑inning battle at Truist Park. Juan Soto’s three‑run home run gave the Mets a 7‑6 edge, only for Matt Olson to match the tally with a two‑run shot off Devin Williams moments later. Luis Torrens sealed the win in the tenth with a two‑out, two‑run double, as Luke Weaver tossed the final out.
The triumph capped a pair of nail‑biting victories for the Mets, who also escaped with a 10‑9 win on Sunday. It was especially sweet given they had won just one game in 113 tries when trailing after eight innings over the past two seasons. The comeback feel good for a club that has struggled to find consistent clutch performances.
“Guys were fighting. Guys were locked in in the dugout the entire time,” manager Andy Green said. “Took us a while to finally draw blood there in the ninth and score some more runs, but guys were locked in the whole time so that’s a fun one.” The win lifts the Mets heading into a six‑game stretch before the All‑Star break with a rejuvenated sense of momentum.
Weaver Fires Streak and Two‑Out Double Play
Luke Weaver entered the contest on an impressive run, having gone 24 straight games and 26 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run. With the Mets leading 7‑5 in the tenth, he surrendered a one‑out RBI double to Michael Harris II and a walk to Ozzie Albies, then intentionally loaded the bases. After issuing a free pass to Jorge Mateo, Weaver settled and induced a ground ball to end the game.
Weaver’s performance underscored his reliability in high‑pressure moments. The pitcher struck out five batters in the extra inning and delivered the final out without giving up another earned run. Green praised his professionalism, saying, “He’s a pro. I don’t believe that run goes on his ledger.”
Beyond the tenth, Weaver posted a dominant June stretch, allowing just one hit and one walk across 11 appearances. That stretch helped mask a deeper team‑wide inconsistency, but his streak adds a much‑needed bright spot for the rotation.
Bichette Sparks Offense with Multi‑Hit Day
Bo Bichette contributed two extra‑base hits, lifting his July average to 8‑for‑20 with a .321/.342/.541 slash line for the month. The three‑hit effort was his third June‑July game with at least two knocks, highlighting a return to form after a slower start.
Green praised Bichette as a perennial All‑Star calibre player. “He’s been a perennial All‑Star type player and you expect that over the course of a season, those guys tend to find their way and their numbers tend to be their numbers,” the manager noted. The performance adds depth to an offense that relies heavily on occasional power bursts.
Bichette’s resurgence provides a steadying presence in the middle of the order, where the Mets have often vacillated between hot and cold. His June production, combined with current July hits, suggests he could become a reliable middle‑inning source for run creation.
Senga Set for Return to Starting Rotation
While the Mets have yet to announce a starter for Tuesday’s tilt against the Royals, expectations are building that Kodai Senga will take the mound. The right‑hander has been shoring up in a bullpen role, posting a 3.00 ERA across 7⅔ innings in his last two outings.
Following a stretch where Green was forced to pull six relievers over 5⅓ innings, Senga’s stabilní arm has offered a glimpse of the dominance that made him a top starter. “He’s thrown the ball really well,” Green said, highlighting his sharp four‑seam and effective fork.
The pending return of Senga would simplify rotation planning and potentially end the current stretch of heavy relief usage. A healthy Senga back in the rotation could give the club a reliable third‑slot anchor for the second half.
Polanco Nears Designated‑Hitter Return
Jorge Polanco, rehabbing from Achilles tendinitis, connected for his second home run of the minor‑league stretch on Sunday. The veteran second baseman is now expected to transition to a designated‑hitter role once he rejoins the majors.
Green indicated Polanco won’t need back‑to‑back games in the minors before a call‑up, emphasizing gradual rest. “I think he’s the type of guy that if he is seeing the ball and he’s hitting it well and he feels like he’s recovering… he’s going to need some rest days in there,” the manager said.
Polanco’s return could alleviate the offensive hole that has developed at DH and add veteran stability to the middle of the lineup. His track record of handling power duties makes him a good fit for a team looking for consistent run production.
What Lies Ahead for New York
The Mets now have six games before the All‑Star break, beginning with a showdown against the Royals. The upcoming series will test whether the recent surge can sustain, especially with a potentially refreshed rotation once Senga returns.
Offensively, the club will need to keep generating spikes like Bichette’s two‑hit night and Soto’s three‑run bomb. Maintaining that type of aggression will be crucial against high‑stakes opponents in July.
On the defensive side, the bullpen’s workload will be a key factor. If Weaver can keep his earned‑run streak alive and Senga settles into the rotation, the team may find the consistency that has eluded them all season.
Finally, the return of Polanco adds another strong arm to the DH spot, giving managers more flexibility. With these pieces aligning, the Mets have a real chance to turn their late‑season push into a genuine playoff contender.
sports.yahoo.com.
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