Mets 4, Braves 1
NEW YORK -- Bartolo Colon threw eight shutout innings Monday night to earn his 220th career victory -- second all-time among pitchers born in the Dominican Republic -- and the New York Mets hit three homers during a four-run first inning before cruising to a 4-1 win over the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field.
Colon allowed seven hits and walked none while striking out seven in breaking a second-place tie with Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez. The all-time leader in wins by Dominican-born pitchers is Hall of Famer Juan Marichal, who earned 243 victories.
Colon, who turns 43 on May 24, notched the milestone victory in a fashion that has become his standard at an age when most of his peers are long since retired. He spotted a high-80s fastball in wriggling out of trouble in the first three innings, during which he allowed six hits but allowed only one runner as far as third base, before setting down 12 straight between the third and seventh.
He also exhibited his sneaky athleticism in the fifth, when he outraced Braves outfielder Mallex Smith -- who turns 23 this month and has stolen 229 bases as a professional -- to the bag on a groundout.
The Mets gave Colon all the support he’d need before he stepped to the plate in the first. In a four-batter span, David Wright homered, Michael Conforto singled, Yoenis Cespedes homered to left-center and Lucas Duda homered off advertising signage in right field.
Wright and Asdrubal Cabrera had two hits apiece for the Mets (16-8), who have won 12 of 14.
Erick Aybar spoiled the shutout with a two-out RBI single off Jeurys Familia in the ninth for the Braves (6-19), who have lost 10 of 12.
Right-hander Mike Foltynewicz, who was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett earlier in the day, took the loss after allowing the four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four over 3 2/3 innings in his season debut.
NOTES: The Braves made a whopping seven roster moves Monday. In addition to recalling RHP Mike Foltynewicz from Triple-A Gwinnett to start against the Mets, Atlanta also selected the contracts of INF Reid Brignac, INF/OF Chase d'Arnaud and OF Matt Tuiasosopo from Gwinnett and optioned RHP John Gant and INF Jace Peterson to the same affiliate. In addition, OF Drew Stubbs was designated for assignment. ... Braves INF/OF Kelly Johnson and LHP Eric O'Flaherty, each of whom ended last season with the Mets, received their 2015 National League championship rings before batting practice. ... Mets RHP Logan Verrett's scoreless streak ended at 16 1/3 innings Sunday. It spanned two starts and five relief appearances. ... Mets 2B Neil Walker is the only New York player to start all 24 games.