Francisco Lindor Homers Twice as Mets Crush Braves 14-3
Francisco Lindor hit two home runs and drove in six runs as the New York Mets routed the Atlanta Braves 14-3 on Monday night.
The Mets matched a season high with 19 hits and extended their winning streak against the Braves to two games. Lindor, who had a triple and two home runs, also had six RBIs for the fourth time this season. The star shortstop's 23rd career multihomer game was his first since August 15 last year against Seattle.
Lindor's impressive performance at the plate helped the Mets pull away from a 3-3 tie in the sixth inning. Marcus Semien hit a two-run homer in the sixth, and Tyrone Taylor added a three-run drive in the seventh. Taylor and Semien each had a three-run homer in the previous game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.
Rookie starter Zac Thornton pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs and six hits. Thornton struck out five and walked one in his fifth big league start. The left-hander's performance was a key factor in the Mets' victory.
Ozzie Albies hit a tying homer for the Braves in the fourth inning and drove in all three of their runs. Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr. returned to the lineup after missing 37 games with a strained left hamstring and went 1 for 4 with two strikeouts.
The Braves' pitching staff struggled, with starter Martín Pérez yielding three runs and eight hits in five innings. Reliever Connor Thomas was tagged for 11 runs and 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings. The Braves used infielder Jorge Mateo on the mound to finish the eighth.
Lindor's towering drive into the left-field seats in the eighth inning capped a five-run inning and gave the Mets their final three runs. The switch-hitter had a triple and two home runs in his first two at-bats against the Braves.
It was the first time Lindor had two home runs and a triple in one game. He also matched a season high with six RBIs. The Mets' 14-3 victory over the Braves was their second straight against a first-place team.
Up next, the Braves will face the Mets again on Tuesday night. Atlanta left-hander Chris Sale will oppose New York right-hander Christian Scott in a key matchup. The Braves will look to bounce back from their loss and keep pace with the division leaders.
Source: Yahoo Sports
