Bo Bichette hit a grand slam, added a solo homer and drove in six runs as the New York Mets beat the MLB-leading Atlanta Braves 7-5 on Friday night at Citi Field.
The ESPN/AP recap and ESPN's game summary both listed the game as final, with the Mets improving their night behind Bichette's first two swings and a bullpen finish that got tense enough to matter. Atlanta, still the best-record team in baseball at 45-24, dropped its third straight game.
Bichette Strikes Early At Citi Field
Bichette started the scoring with a 383-foot solo home run off Spencer Strider in the first inning. Juan Soto followed with a solo shot, and the Mets quickly had enough pressure on a Braves starter who did not look right for long.
The decisive swing came one inning later. Bichette hit a 341-foot grand slam to right field with two outs in the second, pushing New York into control and giving him five RBI before the game had settled into any familiar rhythm.
He added a sacrifice fly in the fourth and finished 2-for-3 with three runs, two homers and six RBI. ESPN/AP noted that the six-RBI game matched Bichette's career high, which he last reached on Aug. 4, 2025, as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Strider Exits After Season-High Damage
Strider took the loss after allowing a season-high seven runs over three innings. He struck out three, walked one and gave up three home runs, including both of Bichette's drives.
The health concern attached to the line made the night more than a bad start. ESPN/AP reported that Strider left after facing one batter in the fourth inning because of right elbow and shoulder soreness, and Braves manager Walt Weiss said after the game that Strider would undergo imaging.
Atlanta still had chances. Dominic Smith, Mike Yastrzemski and Ozzie Albies drove in runs with singles, and Matt Olson homered as the Braves cut into the Mets' lead. The rally did not erase the early damage.
Mets Bullpen Finishes The Job
Nolan McLean started for New York and allowed two runs over four innings, striking out six but walking four on a 93-pitch night. Cionel Perez, the first of four Mets relievers, was credited with the win after allowing one run in 1 1/3 innings.
Devin Williams allowed Eli White's infield RBI single, then got the final four outs for his 10th save. ESPN/AP noted it was his first save of longer than three outs since May 28, 2023.
The result gave the Mets a fresh series-opening marker against the National League East leader. For Atlanta, the larger concern is not only a third straight loss, but the wait for Strider's imaging after a start that ended with his velocity down and the Mets already seven runs clear.