AJ Ewing’s Debut Leads to Mets’ Loss Against Braves

ATLANTA — AJ Ewing stepped into the leadoff position Friday night, but even with some adjustments, the Mets struggled to gain momentum.

The team faced a lackluster lineup, and despite some attempts to rally late, they ultimately fell 5-3 to the Braves at Trust Park, dampening the excitement ahead of the Fourth of July.

As the Mets plummeted below .500 for a troubling 16-game stretch, Ewing made his debut batting 0-for-3 but still managed to top the team in average.

Interestingly, the Braves managed just five hits, but four of those were home runs.

Interim manager Andy Greene has expressed intentions to keep Ewing in the leadoff role against right-handed pitchers, bumping Carson Benge to fifth in the lineup.

Greene noted Ewing’s potential, stating, “It fits well with his long-term skill set, with speed and a solid approach at the plate. He’s really a good fit for a mid-major type of player.” This was shared before the matchup.

Benge did well in the leadoff spot prior to Ewing’s promotion and could return there in the future.

Meanwhile, Christian Scott’s night was short-lived, only lasting four innings and giving up three earned runs on two hits and four walks, while striking out seven. This marked his shortest appearance since mid-May.

In the second inning, Michael Harris II hit a two-run homer, putting the Mets in an early hole.

Scott, after walking Mauricio Dubon in the first, allowed Harris to send a fastball over the center field fence.

Soto tied the game with his own two-run home run in the third inning. After Ewing reached base due to an error, Soto connected on a fly that barely stayed fair in left field.

Soto’s homer, marking his 18th of the season, is the highest on the team.

Scott later yielded a home run to Ozzie Albies in the same inning, putting the Mets behind 3-2.

In the fifth, Olson launched a home run against AJ Minter, extending the Braves’ lead to 4-2. This marked Minter’s first unearned run allowed in quite some time.

Olson hit a second home run in the eighth, extending the Braves’ advantage to 5-2. In the ninth, Bo Bichette’s RBI brought the Mets closer at 5-3, but Lindor couldn’t convert, ending the game as he was retired with the tying run on base.