Flushing, NY – Pinch-hitter Reed Johnson hit the go-ahead single as part of a two-run ninth inning and Jason Heyward made a game-saving catch in left-center field to end the contest, as the Atlanta Braves defeated the New York Mets, 2-1, in the opener of a four-game series at Citi Field.
Craig Kimbrel had trouble in the bottom of the ninth, but notched his 28th save thanks to Heyward. John Buck was hit by a pitch and pinch-runner Andrew Brown moved to second on a wild pitch. After Omar Quintanilla walked, pinch- hitter Justin Turner sent a fly ball to left-center field, but Heyward made a great diving catch to end the game.
"For me, I knew I had to dive off the bat because I didn't think it was in my reach," said Heyward. "As I got closer, well obviously I'm going to try and make the play here with two outs. I got him on a line. If you don't catch it, so be it, but fortunately I was able to get a good enough jump."
Down 1-0 and with Bobby Parnell (5-5) pitching for the Mets, Brian McCann and Evan Gattis hit back-to-back singles to start the ninth, but Dan Uggla hit a grounder towards David Wright, who stepped on third to force pinch-runner Jose Constanza out.
Gattis and Uggla both advanced on a passed ball, putting runners in scoring position. Chris Johnson brought Gattis home with a grounder towards shortstop to tie the game.
Reed Johnson then hit a line drive off a 1-1 fastball to center, giving the Braves the lead.
"I didn't feel like I gave up any hard hit balls, they just unfortunately got through," said Parnell.
Mets starter Dillon Gee's night was spoiled as he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning. He allowed two hits and three walks in his outing. For the 27- year-old right-hander, it's his second straight start without giving up an earned run.
Ike Davis went 2-for-4 and drove in the lone run for the Mets, who recorded just five hits.
New York got on the board in the fourth. Marlon Byrd ripped a leadoff triple and scored on Davis' base hit to right.
Gee had his no-hitter broken up in the seventh when leadoff man Freddie Freeman knocked a line drive past him and into center field. Freeman then stole second as McCann struck out. Gattis singled to left and Uggla was hit by a pitch, loading the bases.
However, Chris Johnson hit a grounder towards third and Freeman was thrown out at the plate. Pinch-hitter Joey Terdoslavich struck out to end the inning.
The Mets had a chance to extend their lead in the eighth. Eric Young bunted into a fielder's choice, but stole second. After Daniel Murphy was walked, Young stole third. With one out and runners at the corners, Wright struck out and Byrd flew out to right.
Game Notes
Byrd had a five-game RBI streak snapped, but is 10-for-23 over his last six games ... Young had two stolen bases and has 20 for the season ... Luis Avilan pitched a perfect seventh for Atlanta. He has not allowed an earned run in his last 24 appearances, the last one coming on May 21 against the Twins ... Since his last blown save on May 7, Kimbrel has converted 18 straight opportunities and has allowed just one run in 24 outings.
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