NEW YORK (AP) – Lucas Duda hit a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning that sent the New York Mets to their 10th consecutive victory Wednesday night, 3-2 over the Atlanta Braves.
Wilmer Flores hit a tying homer and an RBI single for the Mets (12-3), on their longest winning streak since taking 10 straight in July 2008. Another victory in the series finale Thursday afternoon would match the team record of 11 in a row – last accomplished in 1990 – and complete a perfect 10-game run on their first homestand of the season.
Despite injuries to several key players, New York is off to its best start since the 1986 World Series champions opened 13-3.
Helped out by some slick defense, Mets starter Dillon Gee allowed only two runs and eight hits in seven steady innings after the first pitch was delayed 31 minutes by rain.
Second baseman Ruben Tejada robbed Nick Markakis of a hit by leaping high for a snow-cone grab, and Gold Glove winner Juan Lagares ran down Jace Peterson’s drive in deep center, reaching behind his head for a sensational catch.