The Mets are hoping some of the Knicks’ championship energy spills over into their own games.
The day after the Knicks clinched their first title in over 50 years, Citi Field was buzzing, almost reminiscent of Madison Square Garden, complete with familiar highlights and organ tunes.
This enthusiasm seemed to translate well on Sunday, where the Mets decisively beat the Braves 8-1, clinching the series.
Freddy Peralta bounced back with a strong performance on the mound, AJ Ewing had an impressive showing at the plate, and the bullpen did a solid job as well.
Now, the Mets are eager to build on this momentum as they head into a road trip.
Their next game is Monday against the Reds in Cincinnati, one of several teams they need to surpass to make the playoffs.
In the victory, Peralta helped secure four runs in the first inning and pitched effectively for five innings. He looked significantly better than his last outing, where he allowed a troubling six runs.
Atlanta had a promising start with the bases loaded and no outs, but Ozzie Albies struck out, and after a series of singles at the beginning, they only managed to score one run.
Former Metropolitan University player Dominique Smith’s sacrifice fly helped score Michael Harris II, but then Austin Riley popped out, closing a long 28-pitch inning.
The Mets responded in the bottom of the first, striking out right-hander Bryce Elder to take the lead.
Carson Benge kicked things off with a walk, followed by Bo Bichette’s single, but then Juan Soto attempted an odd bunt, getting out just in time for a force at third.
Jared Young then tied it up with a single, and Ewing pushed the Mets ahead with a double that scored Soto, marking one of his three hits for the day.
An error from Mike Yastrzemski allowed Young to score and Ewing to move to third, followed by Brett Batty’s single, extending the lead to 4-1.
Despite allowing the first three Atlanta batters to reach base, Peralta quickly settled in, not letting any more score for 14 consecutive innings.
Sandy Leon’s double in the fifth ended that streak, but Harris’s groundout finished the threat.
Ewing’s stellar day continued as he homered to right in the fifth, and Marcus Semien followed suit with a shot to center field. Harris nearly snagged it, but the ball narrowly slipped away, making it 6-1.
Soto’s two-run hit later put the game out of reach.
Cionel Perez took over for Peralta in the sixth, and along with Daniel Duarte, AJ Minter, and Huascar Brazoban, they wrapped up the game without allowing any runs.
