Francisco Lindor Shines, Mets Route Braves

Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images

July 27, 2026

Mets 14, Braves 3

In a one-sided series opener, shortstop Francisco Lindor drove in six runs on three hits, including two home runs and a triple, to lead the New York Mets to a 14-3 win over the Atlanta Braves. On Monday evening at Citi Field, Lindor lined a triple to right field that nearly went over the wall. He then lifted a two-run homer in the third to put the Mets ahead. His performance was capped off by a three run shot in the eighth. This simultaneously ended an 11-run effort for the Mets.

Lindor’s outing came during the same ballgame as Marcus Semien blasting a two-run homer and Tyrone Taylor hitting a three-run shot. Their collective performance came behind rookie right-handed Zac Thornton recording five strikeouts with three earned runs in more than six innings.

Even Through Five

Thornton gave up two hits to start the first, before surrendering an RBI single to Ozzie Albies. Yet, he remained composed and ended the inning with a strikeout. In response, A.J. Ewing lined a single to start the first. Lindor tied the game on a RBI triple to deep right with the ball nearly going over the wall. But with a runner in scoring position, the Mets failed to score another.

Thornton held a tight grip over the second and third, getting two more strikeouts across both frames. Ewing remained warm in the third, hitting another single and swiping second. Linder then hit his first home run of the game, a two-run shot to left field. This gave the Mets a two-run lead, as they went scoreless through the remainder of the inning.

However, Thornton began to crack under pressure, giving up a two-run homer to Albies in the fourth. He gave up another hit, but ended the inning without giving up another run. He surrendered another single in the fifth, but a double play prevented any more damage from being done.

Mets Score 11

With the game tied at three apiece, Thornton ended his outing with a hitless sixth. Taylor opened the bottom of the inning with a single. Semien drove in the next two runs with a two run blast to left field.

In the seventh, Francisco Alvarez drew a walk before Jared Young singled. Taylor then crushed a three0run shot to left field, increasing their team’s lead to five. Semien then drew a walk, as Luis Torrens doubled. Lindor drew a walk of his own to load the bases. Bo Bichette scored Semien on a sacrifice fly to center field.

As the Mets jumped ahead by six, Alvarez drew another walk in the eighth. Taylor and Semien singled to load the bases, before a walk to Torrens scored the next run. Ewing scored Taylor on a sacrifice fly. Two more runners remained in scoring position for Lindor to finish off his outing with a three run home run to left field. His second blast put the finishing touches on a 11-run victory from the Mets.

What Went Right For The Mets

With the Mets in need of someone to step up, Lindor rose to the occasion with two home runs and six RBI. He accounted for six of the team’s total runs alongside Taylor and Semien, who combined for five RBI. Both also ended with three hits, as did Ewing and Bichette. Overall, the Mets ended with 14 RBI and 19 hits against the Braves.

They also benefited from Thornton posting five strikeouts in more than six innings. While he surrendered six hits and three earned runs, he received the second win of his major league career. The relief unit, meanwhile, sealed the win with four strikeouts in the final stretch of the game.

What Went Wrong For The Mets

The Mets failed to drive in runs with runners in scoring position during the first and fifth. Lindor’s performance overshadowed these costly mistakes.

Looking Ahead

After securing a win in the series opener, Lindor and the Mets will have another chance to steal another from the Braves. Christian Scott (3–2, 3.13 ERA) will start for the Mets against Chris Sale (11–6, 2.19 ERA). First pitch is at 7:10 pm Eastern for Tuesday’s matchup at Citi Field.