Mets Secure Shutout Victory Over Braves Despite Canning’s Early Injury

NEW YORK: Pete Alonso’s contribution propelled the New York Mets to a 4-0 shutout win against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday at Citi Field, despite starting pitcher Griffin Canning’s premature departure due to an injury.

The Mets, who had previously lost 10 of their last 11 games before recovering with a 7-3 victory on Wednesday, seem to be building momentum as they compete for a strong position in the National League East (NL East) standings.

Canning pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings before exiting the game with what appeared to be an ankle injury. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza indicated afterward that it “appears to be an Achilles issue.” The right-hander is scheduled for imaging to determine the extent of the injury.

In Canning’s absence, the Mets bullpen excelled, with four relief pitchers combining to concede only two hits for the remainder of the game. Austin Warren was the first reliever, pitching 2 1/3 innings and allowing just one hit.

Tyrone Taylor initiated the scoring with a sacrifice fly against Braves right-hander Grant Holmes in the fourth inning. Subsequently, Alonso drove in a run with a single in the fifth, and Jeff McNeil extended the lead with a two-run single in the seventh.

The Mets also debuted their blue alternate uniforms for the game, which featured a scripted “New York” across the chest.

Holmes was charged with the loss for Atlanta, giving up two runs on six hits over five innings. He issued three walks and recorded six strikeouts.

Looking ahead, David Peterson is slated to pitch for the Mets on Friday against Mitch Keller and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

For the Braves, first baseman Matt Olson reached a significant milestone by participating in his 700th consecutive game — currently the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.

The temperature at first pitch was a cool 69°F, contrasting sharply with Tuesday’s record heat, which was 28 degrees warmer.