ATLANTA – A rare run-scoring hit from Bartolo Colon helped give the New York Mets a boost going into their home opener.
Colon helped himself with his first RBI in a decade, Daniel Murphy hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the eighth inning and the Mets beat Atlanta 4-3 Sunday, sending the Braves to their first loss this season.
Michael Cuddyer’s two-run homer in the first inning gave Colon the early lead, but the burly pitcher’s bloop single for a 3-2 lead in the fourth was the most-discussed hit.
“When he puts it in play, he gets a cheer, so when he gets a hit it’s a double cheer,” Mets manager Terry Collins said.
The Mets return from a 3-3 trip for their home opener against the Phillies on Monday.