Atlanta Braves’ Justin Upton, right celebrates with teammate Jordan Schafer (17) after hitting a three-run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Saturday, April 19, 2014, in New York.NEW YORK – Jordan Walden got the final out with the bases loaded after Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez pulled star closer Craig Kimbrel, and the Braves held off the New York Mets 7-5 Saturday night.
Freddie Freeman had three hits and hustled his way through a weird play that brought the Braves two runs when the Mets were unable to challenge a costly incorrect call.
Ervin Santana pitched seven crisp innings for his second win over New York in three starts with Atlanta.
Justin Upton hit a three-run homer in the ninth to make it 7-3, and that became crucial when the Mets rallied against Kimbrel.
They scored twice off the hard-throwing right-hander, who loaded the bases with a two-out walk to Lucas Duda. That’s when Gonzalez went to the mound and lifted Kimbrel, who didn’t look happy about it. He waited for an extra moment or two before reluctantly handing over the ball.