Albies hits 2 HRs, drives in 7 as Braves blast Mets 20-2

ATLANTA (AP) — Ozzie Albies drove in seven runs with five hits, including two home runs, and the Atlanta Braves battered the New York Mets 20-2 on Wednesday night for a strong finish to a disappointing month.

The Braves (38-41) were 13-15 in June. They trail the first-place Mets (41-35) by 4 1/2 games in the NL East after enjoying a rare offensive highlight with 20 hits.

Mets left-hander David Peterson exited due to right side soreness in the fourth inning, leaving his status for his next start unknown. Peterson (2-6) allowed six runs and eight hits, each matching his career high.

The Braves led 14-2 when outfielder Albert Almora entered the game to pitch in the eighth with the bases loaded. Almora walked Ender Inciarte and hit Pablo Sandoval with a pitch to force in runs.

Almora then gave up a three-run homer to Albies, who set career highs for hits, RBIs and by scoring four runs. Albies had three singles before hitting a two-run homer off Thomas Szapucki in the fifth.

Austin Riley drove in three runs on three hits, including a two-run single in the third to give Atlanta a 4-2 lead. Freddie Freeman had three hits and scored four runs.

This was the fourth time the Mets had allowed at least 20 runs in their history. They lost 26-7 at Philadelphia in 1985, 25-4 at Washington in 2018 and 23-5 at Washington in 2017.

Braves left-hander Max Fried (5-4) recovered after giving up a two-run homer to Pete Alonso. Fried came off the 10-day injured list to make his return from a blister on his left index finger and allowed two runs and three hits in five innings.

Ronald Acuña Jr. led off the Braves first by hitting a sinker from Peterson 447 feet into the left-field seats for his 22nd homer. Ehire Adrianza added a pinch-hit homer for Atlanta in the seventh.

New York's Kevin...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Albies-hits-2-HRs-drives-in-7-as-Braves-blast-16286082.php