NEW YORK – Austin Riley watched from the on-deck circle as Nick Markakis drove Seth Lugo’s fastball for a game-tying homer. The Atlanta Braves rookie had a hunch what might come next.
“I took a little chance and sat slider there,” he said. “And got it.”
Markakis and Riley hit back-to-back solo shots to give Atlanta the lead in the eighth inning, and the Citi Field visitors spoiled the New York Mets’ feel-good Saturday by rallying for a 5-4 win.
Braves closer Luke Jackson stranded runners at second and third in the ninth inning for his 13th save this season, handing New York its seventh straight loss.
The 1969 World Series champion Mets were honored on the field before the game, and then former independent league pitcher Chris Mazza found himself in line for the victory thanks to a sharp major league debut.