Jason Heyward makes case for ROY honors leading Braves to 9-3 win over the Mets
The Atlanta Braves got off to a fast start Monday scoring five runs in the first two innings on their way to a 9-3 victory over the New York Mets.
Jason Heyward needed to get hot down the stretch to breathe life back into his candidacy for Rookie of the Year honors and appears to be doing just that. He had four hits and four RBIs on the night including a three run home run in the second inning that gave the Braves the lead for good, 5-2.
After getting off to a hot start at the beginning of the season, Heyward cooled off in June and July. On the season, Heyward has hit 16 home runs and 62 RBIs along with nine stolen bases.
Heyward missed time earlier in the season due to a thumb injury, and while it still bothers him he has been able to make the necessary adjustments to his swing.
Brian McCann hit his second home run in two nights in the seventh inning to give the Braves the lead, 9-3.
Starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens appeared to be two different pitchers at times. He matched a career high with six walks on the day, but then also had eight strikeout, the most he has had this season since he struck out nine against the Colorado Rockies back on 18 April.
“To win the game you need to make clutch pitches,” Jurrjens said. “I made my clutch pitches when I needed to. They didn’t hit when they had guys in scoring position.”
Jurrjens lasted two outs into the sixth inning giving up six hits and three earned runs before handing the game over to the bullpen. Eric O’Flaherty, Kyle Farnsworth, and Billy Wagner each gave up one hit over the last three and one third innings, but never let another Mets runner get past second base.
Billy Wagner pitched a scoreless ninth inning, striking out one, in a non-save situation.
With the win the Braves improved to 76-55 on the season. Since the Philadelphia Phillies lost, their lead in the NL East division increased to three games.
Mike Minor is scheduled to start for Atlanta on Tuesday in the second game of the four-game series with the Mets; Jonathon Niese will take the mound for New York.
Minor was the seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft; he has yet to lose and struck out 12 in his last start against the Cubs.
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