Garcia's 8th-inning blast pushes Braves past Mets
ATLANTA -- Adonis Garcia celebrated his return to the Braves' starting lineup with a game-winning, two-run homer in Atlanta's 4-3 victory over the New York Mets on Thursday at Turner Field.
Garcia started for the first time since June 16, when he injured his left ankle against the Reds. After going hitless in his first three at-bats, he slammed a two-run homer, his fourth, against reliever Addison Reed (1-2) in the eighth inning to put the Braves ahead for the first time.
Freddie Freeman began the eighth inning with a single off left-handed reliever Jerry Blevins, who struck out Nick Markakis before being lifted. New York manager Terry Collins called on Reed, a right-hander, to face the right-handed-hitting Garcia.
The winning pitcher was Jim Johnson (1-4), who pitched a perfect eighth inning. Arodys Vizcaino threw a scoreless ninth to earn his ninth save.
New York starter Matt Harvey allowed two runs on eight hits and no walks in six innings. Harvey struck out three batters, all on called third strikes.
Atlanta starter Matt Wisler pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and a season-high four walks.
Mets left fielder Michael Conforto made a highlight-reel play in the seventh inning to temporarily preserve the lead. Reliever Sean Gilmartin allowed the first two batters to reach, and Jace Peterson moved them over with a sacrifice.
Enter Inciarte lofted a fly to left field, and Conforto caught it and fired a strike to the plate. The throw arrived at the same time as runner Emilio Bonifacio, and Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud blocked the plate and applied the tag for the inning-ending double play.
Atlanta challenged the outcome of the play and claimed that d'Arnaud had blocked the sliding lane. However, the call was confirmed upon video review, leaving the Mets with a 3-2 lead. Braves manager Brian Snitker was then ejected for arguing the outcome.
The Mets scored a run in the second inning on a double by center fielder Alejandro De Aza, who broke an 0-for-20 hitless streak when he drove in Conforto.
New York added another run in the third on Neil Walker's sacrifice fly.
Atlanta cut the lead to 2-1 with a run in the fourth inning when A.J. Pierzynski singled home Nick Markakis.
The Mets got the run back in the fifth when Walker singled home Curtis Granderson with two outs to break an 0-for-15 streak.
NOTES: New York RHP Noah Syndergaard had an MRI on his right elbow that showed no structural damage. He will be treated with inflammatory medication and has been cleared to resume his normal work routine. ... Mets OF Yoenis Cespides received a cortisone shot in his left wrist after sustaining a mild strain on Wednesday against the Royals. He is listed as day to day. ... Mike Foltynewicz is scheduled to make a rehab start on Saturday for Triple-A Gwinnett. He has been on the disabled list with right elbow soreness since May 31. ... Atlanta 3B Adonis Garcia was back in the lineup after missing Wednesday's game with a sprained ankle. ... Starting pitchers for Friday in the second game of a four-game series are Atlanta RHP Aaron Blair (0-4, 7.19 ERA) against New York LHP Steven Matz (7-3, 2.74).