ATLANTA — A.J. Ewing assumed the leadoff role Friday night, yet the lineup adjustments failed to ignite a spark.
A lackluster offensive performance led to a 5-3 defeat at Truist Park, extending the Mets’ season-worst 16-game deficit below .500.
Ewing went 0-for-3 in his debut atop the order, as the Mets struggled to generate momentum through the final six innings.
The Braves capitalized on limited opportunities, with four of their five hits coming via home runs.
Interim manager Andy Green indicated Ewing will remain at leadoff against right-handed pitching, while Carson Benge shifted to the fifth spot in the order.
“What [Ewing] has accomplished in his brief big league tenure—maintaining a .375 on-base percentage against right-handed pitching—is exceptionally rare for a rookie,” Green explained pre-game. “It aligns with his strengths: speed, patience, and the ability to drive the ball. It also complements Carson’s role in the middle of the order.”
“Carson seamlessly assumed that spot before A.J. was called up and performed admirably. While this doesn’t preclude him from returning there later, the current setup maximizes both players’ skill sets.”
Christian Scott’s outing lasted just four innings, matching his shortest start since May 18 at Washington. He allowed three earned runs on two hits, added four walks, and recorded seven strikeouts before departing after 82 pitches.
Michael Harris II sparked Atlanta’s offense with a two-run homer in the second inning, putting the Mets in a 2-0 hole after Scott walked Mauricio Dubón and surrendered a fastball over the center-field fence.
Pedro Soto tied the game in the third with a two-run homer, driving in runs after Ewing reached base on a Matt Olson fielding error. His blast near the left-field foul pole marked his team-leading 18th home run of the season.
Adding drama, reliever Cionel Pérez caught Soto’s fly ball in his cap during the play.
Scott conceded an Ozzie Albies solo homer in the third, and Atlanta extended their lead to 4-2 with a Matt Olson blast off A.J. Minter in the fifth—the first earned run allowed by the reliever in 15 appearances this season.
Olson capped the night with a second homer, this time off Kodai Senga in the eighth, widening the deficit to 5-2.
The Braves closed the game with an insurance run in the ninth, but Mets relievers held the damage to a single, with Lindor calling out strikes on the final batter’s slide, finishing the season-high 16 games below .500.