The Atlanta Braves recently staged an impressive comeback against the New York Mets thanks, in part, to the recovery efforts of pitcher Bryce Elder. Although Elder has posted better pitching stats this season, his ability to regroup from his worst inning was key to the Braves’ success. Orlando Arcia drove in the go-ahead run in Atlanta’s four-run sixth inning, securing a 6-4 victory for the team. Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso hit two-run homers in the third, but Elder recovered by pitching three scoreless innings. New York lost their fourth straight game while the Braves hope to continue their upward trajectory.
“We know they’re going to be a competitive club all year and we’re trying to be the same,” said Mets manager Buck Showalter.
Elder’s ERA rose to 2.26 after allowing a season-high four runs with eight strikeouts in six innings. Atlanta’s manager, Brian Snitker, praised Elder’s ability to regroup after the third inning. The start of the game was delayed by an hour and forty minutes due to inclement weather.
The Braves also confirmed that 20-year-old rookie AJ Smith-Shawver will make his first start in the majors on Friday or Saturday against Washington. Smith-Shawver moves into the rotation spot vacated when Michael Soroka was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.
In the next game, Mets RHP Max Scherzer will face Braves RHP Charlie Morton in a matchup of veterans as the series continues Wednesday night. Scherzer is 13-10 with a 3.77 ERA against Atlanta. Morton is 4-6 with a 3.82 ERA versus the Mets.
AP MLB provided coverage of the game.
