Alonso helps Mets get to Morton, top Braves 5-4 in DH opener

NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Alonso had two RBI singles as the Mets pounced early against Charlie Morton, and New York's bullpen closed out a five-hitter to beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 Tuesday in the opener of a doubleheader.

Four of the Mets' first five batters reached against Morton, with the Mets taking a 2-0 lead on RBI singles by Alonso and Eduardo Escobar. Alonso added another run-scoring single during New York’s two-run second inning.

Morton (1-3) had 56 pitches through two innings but rebounded to cover 5 2/3 on 99 pitches, allowing five runs — four earned — on six hits. The 38-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA this season to 6.85.

Matt Olson hit a three-run homer in the fifth against starter David Peterson, his third of the season, to pull Atlanta within 5-4. The drive came one pitch after Peterson made his first career error when he whiffed on Ozzie Albies' potential double-play grounder.

Peterson (1-0) stumbled during a three-run fifth but was otherwise sharp after being recalled Tuesday from Triple-A. The left-hander was charged with four runs — three earned — and four hits with six strikeouts and three walks.

Adam Ottavino struck out two in a perfect sixth and Drew Smith turned in two hitless innings to deliver a one-run lead to closer Edwin Díaz.

Díaz struck out two and worked around a single in the ninth for his fifth save.

Travis Jankowski had two hits, a walk and scored three runs from the leadoff spot for New York. He reached on a fielder's choice in the fourth, stole second, took third on an overthrow and scored on Mark Canha's sacrifice fly.

The Braves appeared to benefit from an umpiring blunder in the second. Adam Duvall advanced to third on Dansby Swanson's double down the left-field line, then scored a batter later on Travis Demeritte's sacrifice...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Alonso-helps-Mets-get-to-Morton-top-Braves-5-4-17145701.php