Game Recap: New York Mets 4 Atlanta Braves 2

The Braves were defeated Thursday night by the New York Mets 4-2 and watched their lead in the NL East slip to just 2 games thanks to a wild comeback win by the Phillies over the Rockies.

Pitching:

Tim Hudson got the start and took the loss allowing 4 runs (3 earned) over seven innings pitched. Hudson’s record now falls to 15-6. The Mets got to Hudson early scoring twice in the first inning. Carlos Beltran tripled with two outs and scored on an Omar Infante throwing error. Joaquin Arias followed up two more Mets’ singles and a walk with an infield single of his own to give the Mets a 2-0 lead.

Johan Santana pitched five innings allowing three hits and one run courtesy of Brian McCann‘s 20th home run of the season. Santana left the game after the fifth with a strained pectoral muscle and is listed as day to day.

Offense:

Brian McCann banged out three hits including his before mentioned twentieth homer of the season. The three hits raise McCann’s batting average to .285 and the RBI gives him 71 for the season. Since the all star break McCann is hitting .305 with 9 homers and 33 RBI’s. Martin Prado added a hit and an RBI for the Braves. Melky Cabrera went 2 for 3 on the night and Omar Infante had a hit as well. Infante’s average is currently at .345 which would be tops in the National League if Infante had enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title.

Notes:

Tim Hudson was named NL pitcher of the Month for August after compiling a 4-1 record with a 1.71 ERA. The Braves also activated first baseman Troy Glaus from the disabled list.

Next Game:

Kenshin Kawakami will get his first shot at starting for the Atlanta Braves in Derek Lowe‘s spot in the rotation on Friday night in Florida against the Marlins. Lowe will miss the game with a sore elbow.