Braves blow out Mets 15-2, inch closer to NL East crown

NEW YORK (AP) — Freddie Freeman added three more hits to his burgeoning MVP campaign, Ozzie Albies clubbed two of Atlanta's six homers and the Braves battered New York Mets pitching Friday night in a 15-2 blowout that thrust them closer to a third consecutive NL East title.

Max Fried (7-0) returned from a brief stay on the injured list due to a back spasm and breezed through five innings that only help his Cy Young Award credentials. The left-hander hasn't allowed a home run since Sept. 10 last year.

Freeman laced a two-run double and Marcell Ozuna followed with a long two-run homer in the second off Steven Matz (0-5), handed his latest drubbing in a lost season as he came back from shoulder discomfort.

Atlanta pounded out 17 hits and opened a 3 1/2-game lead over second-place Miami, which split a doubleheader with Washington. The Braves have nine games remaining, the Marlins 10.

The most effective pitcher for the Mets was veteran third baseman Todd Frazier, who tossed a 1-2-3 ninth in his first career appearance on the mound. He struck out Adam Duvall looking at a 55 mph curve.

New York began the day 1 1/2 games out of the final NL playoff spot.

Nine days after setting a National League record for runs since 1900 in a 29-9 romp against the Marlins, the Braves appeared eager to threaten their own mark already as Travis d'Arnaud and Albies each hit a two-run homer in a six-run fourth against Franklyn Kilome. Nick Markakis had a two-run double.

Ronald Acuna Jr. and Austin Riley also went deep for Atlanta. Acuna doubled and scored three times from the leadoff spot, snapping an 0-for-18 slide.

With the Mets needing a solid performance from their ragged rotation to rest an overtaxed bullpen, Matz couldn't deliver in his first start and second appearance since Aug. 15....

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Braves-move-closer-pound-Mets-pitching-in-15-2-15579589.php