Braves Cruise To 13-5 Win Over Mets

Aug 18, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) smiles in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

On a lazy Labor Day afternoon in Atlanta, Paul Mahom wasn’t particularly sharp but the Braves were facing Daisuke Matsuzaka so it hardly mattered. The Braves peppered Matsuzaka for six runs in the first two innings with five of the runs being driven in by Freddie Freeman, and cruised to a 13-5 victory over the New York Mets.

Jordan Schafer was dynamic for the Braves, getting things started with a bunt single that was fielded by Matsizaka in hilariously incompetent fashion. The bunt single was the first of four hits for Schafer who also stole three bases. A walk to Justin Upton brought up Freeman who smashed a liner to center field to put the Braves in front 2-0 after one inning.

Maholm, as he has done for several months now, seemed almost determined to give the lead that he was allotted right back to the opposing team, as he allowed a two-out single to Matsuzaka to cut the lead to 2-1. The Braves offense would use their second look at Matsuzaka to put things too far out of reach for even Maholm to give up. Once again Schafer and Upton reached base in front of Freeman who this time destroyed a three run homer to put the Braves in front 6-1, a lead the Mets would never seriously threaten.

Maholm would only manage to work through five innings before turning things over to the Braves bullpen but the offense provided more than enough support for the Braves staff. Maholm was not sharp walking three batters against four strikeouts and needing 100 pitches to work through five innings. A combination of Ayala, Downs, and Carpenter would work together to finish the Mets off allowing only two runs.

BJ Upton continued to shows signs of life as he delivered two doubles in the game, giving Braves fans hope that the elder Upton can be a positive force for the Braves down the stretch and through the playoffs. Game two of the series is Tuesday night as the Braves continue their inevitable march to the Eastern Division title.