Mets Edge Braves 8-5 in Atlanta
The New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 8-5 on Monday night in Atlanta behind a lineup that got contributions up and down the order, including from Francisco Lindor.
New York's offense did enough to build and hold a lead, while Atlanta's lineup had its moments but ultimately came up short against a Mets pitching staff that got enough length to protect the win.
He wasn't alone in the lineup. Brett Baty was part of New York's effort at the plate, and Jared Young and Bo Bichette also factored into the Mets' offensive night. On the mound, Kodai Senga and Christian Scott helped keep the Mets in front, with Nate Lavender working out of the bullpen as New York closed out the win.
Atlanta didn't go quietly, and there were individual performances worth noting even in defeat. Brent Suter was excellent out of the Braves' bullpen, posting a team-high 22.0 fantasy points and doing everything he could to keep the game from getting out of hand. Behind the plate, Drake Baldwin had a strong night with 19.5 points, and Michael Harris II continued to show why he's one of the more dynamic everyday players on the roster, contributing 15.5 points in center field. Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr. both finished with 11.0 points, steady if unspectacular nights from two of Atlanta's most important bats, while Mauricio Dubón (10.5) and Ozzie Albies (9.0) rounded out a lineup that had moments but ultimately couldn't match New York's firepower.
The loss continues a rough stretch for Atlanta, whose recent form entering Monday included consecutive defeats to the Yankees sandwiched around a win, plus this latest setback to the Mets. For a team with the talent Atlanta has up and down its order, the inconsistency has to be a concern this early in the year. Suter and Baldwin gave the Braves a foundation to build on, but until the top of the order — Acuña, Riley, Albies — starts stacking complete games together, results like Monday's will keep piling up.
For New York, this is exactly the kind of game that can set a tone early in the season. Lindor and Baty were both part of a productive night at the plate, and the pitching staff got enough from Senga, Scott and the bullpen to hold the lead.
Fantasy managers on JockBroker who rolled with Lindor and Baty in the same lineup Monday were rewarded, and both figure to remain must-starts as the season rolls on.
